MELROSE, The Bronx (WABC) — New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is opening the door to larger Knicks watch parties at Madison Square Garden, despite a disagreement with the team’s owner that led to the cancellation of Game 4’s watch party outside MSG.
Mayor Mamdani visited a tiny Mexican restaurant to watch the opening of the World Cup on Thursday, but many New Yorkers are still in the grips of Knicks fever, and the mayor says he understands that.
“We’re on the brink of history,” he said.
In an exclusive interview with Eyewitness News, Mayor Mamdani opened the door to larger watch parties at Madison Square Garden.
Reporter N.J. Burkett asked if he could understand why people would want to watch outside the Garden.
“Absolutely. What we are looking to have is a moment where New York City and New Yorkers can celebrate and also can do so safely, and I’m confident in our ability to do that, and we’re hopeful that that continues to be the case,” Mamdani said.
Burkett asked if that means he thinks a watch party with more than 1,000 people can be held outside MSG.
“Yes. We’ve seen that before. He requested a watch party from 500 to 1,000 people. We approved it for the maximum amount,” Mamdani said.
Knicks owner James Dolan says he canceled Wednesday night’s watch party because it wouldn’t be large enough. Watch parties for Games 1 and 2 drew thousands of fans.
“It’s really the mayor’s office… it makes no sense at all,” Dolan said.
Burkett asked if Mamdani would encourage Dolan to put in a permit for more.
“No, I think it’s clear that Mr. Dolan isn’t looking for my encouragement,” Mamdani said. “What I will say is that we want this to be a moment where every New Yorker can celebrate, because it is an incredible moment.”
After Wednesday night’s game, thousands took over Eighth Avenue outside the security perimeter, in a melee that led to more than 50 arrests. Ten police officers were injured, including one who was struck in the face with a glass bottle.
“This is not acceptable, whether in this moment or any moment,” Mamdani said. “And I am fully confident in our NYPD to provide that safety and security and also to ensure that it happens alongside the vast majority of New Yorkers still being able to celebrate responsibly.”
When asked if he’s looking forward to a victory parade for the Knicks, the mayor said, “I don’t want to jinx it as a fan, but as a mayor, I’m preparing for every logistical outcome.”
