Madison Square Garden launched the "Thank You, NYPD" campaign to encourage New York City residents to express appreciation for the New York Police Department through uploaded videos. The initiative was announced on Wednesday via a post on X by Madison Square Garden.[1]

St. John's University men's basketball head coach Rick Pitino participated in the campaign with a video posted to Madison Square Garden's Instagram account on Friday. "I want to give a sincere thanks to the NYPD officers who do such an incredible job to keep our city safe," Pitino said. "Thank you so much."[1]

The video came hours before St. John's first-round game in the men's NCAA Division I basketball tournament against Northern Iowa in San Diego. The fifth-seeded Red Storm had defeated Connecticut in the Big East Conference Tournament championship at Madison Square Garden on March 14.[1]

Rick Pitino, a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee (class of 2013), has served as St. John's head coach since March 2023. He previously won NCAA championships with the University of Kentucky in 1996 and the University of Louisville in 2013.[2][3]

St. John's, a member of the Big East Conference, plays the majority of its home games at Madison Square Garden in New York City.[2][4]

As part of the campaign, Madison Square Garden will host a private concert on March 28 for NYPD uniformed officers, civilian staff and their families. Confirmed performers include Cyndi Lauper, John Fogerty, Fat Joe, Chris Distefano and Sam Morril. MSG Entertainment will donate the venue and cover all costs.[1]

MSG Sports CEO and Executive Chairman Jim Dolan described the event as a non-political gesture of gratitude. "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," Dolan said in a statement. "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]

Sources

1. Fox News Digital
   St. John's head coach Rick Pitino thanks NYPD amid 'Thank You' campaign (article coverage)
   March 2026
   https://www.foxnews.com/sports
2. St. John's University Athletics
   Men's Basketball Roster - Coaches - Rick Pitino
   Accessed October 2024
   https://redstormsports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/rick-pitino/1448
3. Wikipedia
   Rick Pitino
   Accessed October 2024
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rick_Pitino
4. Madison Square Garden
   Official Website
   Accessed October 2024
   https://www.msg.com/