Newsletter Signup
Stay up to date on all the latest news from Boston.com
Boston officials reveal street closures, public safety measures ahead of NBA Finals
With the NBA Finals set to tip off on Thursday, Mayor Michelle Wu rolled out plans to create a fun and safe fan experience.
The NBA Finals, the biggest sporting event to hit TD Garden in two years, just got a whole lot bigger.
City officials rolled out a series of public safety measures that will go into effect during the first four games of the best-of-seven series, which kicks off at home Thursday between the Celtics and the Mavericks.
Mayor Michelle Wu announced Tuesday that Canal Street, which runs perpendicular to the Garden, will be closed to vehicles from 4 p.m. through midnight for every home game and watch party (on June 6, 9, 12, and June 14). The bustling strip will become a “Finals Hub,” serving as an outdoor gathering space for fans and allowing bars and restaurants to extend their capacity to the street.
Advertisement:
“Closing down Canal Street is … a great way to bring people together, encourage folks to see this as a fan zone and hub [where] you can support the local businesses,” Wu said. “It also just makes the street safer in general.”
Additionally, Causeway will be limited to pedestrian traffic towards the end of each game to reduce heavy traffic. Fans utilizing rideshare apps to travel to and from the West End are encouraged to schedule pick-ups and drop-offs a few blocks away from the Garden.
Boston Police Commisioner Michael Cox emphasized his department’s commitment to providing fans with a fun and safe playoff experience. Warning of an enhanced police presence, Cox said that BPD “will have high, high visibility within the area of TD Garden.”
While Games 3 and 4 of the Finals will take place in Dallas, TD Garden will host their first-ever watch parties for the away matchups.
“This is an exciting time in our city to gather together and cheer on the Celtics. The Celtics watch parties at the Garden will be a memorable and unique way for families and fans to catch the away games and show our community spirit,” Wu said.
The watch parties, which Wu said will incorporate “as much of the live NBA game experience as possible,” will closely mimic the home game experience for Celtics fans. Concessions, entertainment, merchandise, and bars will be fully operational for the events.
Advertisement:
Tickets for Game 3 and 4 watch parties go on presale for $18 Wednesday, with availability to the public starting Thursday morning on Ticketmaster.
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com