Mamdani posted on social media that afternoon stating Dolan had decided to cancel the watch party after receiving approval, and that Knicks fans did not need permission to show up for their team regardless of where they were. He did not address the security zone directly in that post but said at a separate news conference that the protocols outside the arena were consistent with measures the city uses for major gatherings including New Year’s Eve and July 4.
MSG requested a permit for a watch party for 500-999 fans. We approved that permit for 999 fans.
Mr. Dolan has now decided to cancel the watch party.
I know this is breaking hearts across our city.
But if there’s one thing Knicks fans don’t need permission for, it’s showing up…
— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) June 10, 2026