Madison Square Garden Entertainment and MSG Sports announced the "Thank You, NYPD" campaign on February 21, 2024, culminating in a private concert at the New York City arena on March 28, 2024.[1][2] The event targets appreciation for the New York Police Department, with invitations extended to uniformed officers, civilian staff and their families.

Confirmed performers include singer Cyndi Lauper, musician John Fogerty, rapper Fat Joe—a vocal New York Knicks supporter—and comedians Chris Distefano and Sam Morril.[1][2] The concert will be provided rent-free, with production and operating costs covered by donations.

Jim Dolan, executive chairman of MSG Entertainment and MSG Sports—which operates the Knicks of the National Basketball Association and serves as Dolan’s franchise on the NBA Board of Governors—described the event as a non-political gesture of gratitude.[1][3]

Dolan stated: "There are times in our culture today when the dissenter’s voice is louder than that of the majority. Such is the case with law enforcement, and in particular, the NYPD... This concert to say, ‘Thank You, NYPD’ is designed to let our police know that we New Yorkers need, respect and appreciate their effort and service."[1]

Cyndi Lauper, a two-time Grammy winner and lifelong New Yorker, added: "I am happy to show my appreciation for the brave members of the NYPD by performing at this MSG event. We are all New Yorkers, and the NYPD is such an important part of our community."[1][2]

Madison Square Garden, located in Midtown Manhattan, is a multi-purpose indoor arena and home to the Knicks and New York Rangers of the National Hockey League.[4] MSG also encouraged New Yorkers to submit personal "thank you" videos via its X post announcing the campaign.

Sources

1. MSG Entertainment, "MSG Entertainment and MSG Sports Announce ‘Thank You, NYPD’ Concert at Madison Square Garden on March 28", February 21, 2024, https://www.msg.com/press/2024/02/21/msg-entertainment-and-msg-sports-announce-thank-you-nypd-concert-madison-square-garden-march-28
2. Fox News, "Madison Square Garden announces free concert for NYPD officers with Cyndi Lauper, Fat Joe in lineup", February 21, 2024, https://www.foxnews.com/sports/madison-square-garden-announces-free-concert-nypd-officers-cyndi-lauper-fat-joe-lineup
3. NBA.com, "James Dolan", accessed February 2024, https://www.nba.com/governors/james-dolan
4. Wikipedia, "Madison Square Garden", accessed February 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madison_Square_Garden