Police officers on Thursday evening threatened to arrest onlookers and journalists gathered outside Madison Square Garden, as preparations for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding festivities intensified. Officers informed those assembled on the street that the area was under "managed access" and that individuals without a business on the block or a verifiable address would be asked to leave, with the potential for arrest on trespassing charges.
One officer stated that taking photos was not permitted unless individuals were entering a building. The New York City Police Department has assigned 139 officers to oversee the event, which includes a pre-party Thursday night for approximately 100 guests, and a larger celebration expected to host over 1,000 guests on Friday.
A white privacy tent has been erected over the entrance to the venue, and a strict no-phone policy is reportedly in effect for attendees. Guests are instructed to have identification and devices ready at security checkpoints, suggesting phones will be collected before entry.
Ahead of the main event, scheduled to begin Friday afternoon and potentially continue until early Saturday morning, several blocks surrounding the arena will be subject to vehicle and partial pedestrian closures. Access to Penn Station, located directly beneath the arena, will be restricted, with transit users advised to use an alternate entrance.
Swift and Kelce, both 36, have aimed to maintain privacy for their wedding, despite the large number of expected attendees. The details of the festivities have been kept under wraps by city officials and Swift's representatives.