Cops threaten to ARREST onlookers at MSG as Taylor Swift wedding circus reaches fever pitch

By NATASHA ANDERSON, US SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 23:51, 2 July 2026 | Updated: 23:55, 2 July 2026 Police have threatened to arrest onlookers outside New York City's most famous arena as Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce wedding festivities are getting underway. Press and fans alike have gathered outside Madison Square Garden all week hoping to catch a glimpse of the star-studded nuptials. But as journalists stood on the street Thursday evening, just hours before the couple's wedding pre-party was expected to take place, NYPD officers ordered they vacate the premises. 'It's managed access. That means unless you have a business on the block, you gotta go to the corner,' an officer told journalists who refused to go to the designated press pen. 'Either you gotta move or they'll start arresting people for trespassing.'  One member of the press, an Associated Press photographer, pushed back, suggesting the public street is used for walking. The officer, however, doubled down on his stance, saying: 'Unless you're going in a building, you're a business or you have an address that you can show them, you can't walk here. 'You got to leave now. You can't take a photo.' Swift and Kelce, both 36, are hosting a pre-party at the venue Thursday night, slated for just 100 guests. Rumors have swirled that this evening's festivities, held inside MSG's Infosys Theater, were the couple's rehearsal dinner, but two sources have confirmed the celebration is actually the pair's wedding ceremony. Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift are hosting a pre-party at Madison Square Garden Thursday night, slated for just 100 guests Police have threatened to arrest onlookers outside New York City's most famous arena as Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce wedding festivities are getting underway Reports are circulating that the pair may already be legally married but our sources say they intend to exchange vows in front of 100 of their nearest and dearest tonight, before a blowout, festival-style party tomorrow.  The couple have gone to great lengths to keep their lavish nuptials as private as possible, despite there being more than 1,000 guests expected to attend. A white privacy tent has been erected over the entrance to the venue, and Swift and Kelce are enforcing a strict no-phone policy inside. A sign at a security checkpoint outside the venue instructs guests to 'have identification out, have devices ready,' suggesting attendees will be forced to give up their phones before entering. Cars that left from Taylor Swift's New York City house have arrived at Madison Square Garden ahead of her highly anticipated wedding. Preparations have been underway in the sweltering heat for the star-studded event. A white privacy tent has been erected over the entrance to the venue, and Swift and Kelce are enforcing a strict no-phone policy inside An official outside the venue advised that the entire street is 'managed access,' which means that only the couple's guests or people with businesses on the block are permit in the area Celebrities have flocked to the Big Apple, while delivery trucks and a huge police presence have become a constant at the venue. A total of 139 officers have been assigned to oversee the monster bash, including five lieutenants and 14 sergeants, according to the Daily Mail's sources. Over 1,000 guests are expected to attend on Friday, with celebrations running into the early hours.  Security posts around MSG were erected earlier this week and special 'cooling stations' have been set up to allow cops periods of air-conditioning. Around 15 National Guardsmen were seen outside a VIP entrance to MSG on Wednesday, with members of Swift's own security team also present. A full street closure will then go into effect overnight, allowing crews to erect a 'drive through tent' next to a separate 'entrance tent,' according to a special event permit obtained by AP. The 'main event' will begin at 5pm Friday, per the application, with the option to continue until 4am the next morning. That party can host up to 1,000 people, records show. K-9's walk into Madison Square Garden ahead of Swift and Kelce's Thursday night party Beginning on Friday afternoon, several blocks surrounding the arena will be off-limits to vehicles and partially closed to pedestrians, according to information shared by police on Thursday afternoon. Access to Penn Station - the busiest rail hub in the US, sitting directly below the arena - will be heavily restricted, with transit users urged to use a separate entrance further from the venue. The approval of the permit comes as city officials and Swift's representatives have continued to stay silent about the festivities - angering some business owners and residents, who have called for more transparency around a private event that will soak up public resources. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. 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