Madison Square Garden announced the "Thank You, NYPD" campaign on February 21, 2024, via a post on X, aiming to express public appreciation for the New York City Police Department.[1][2]
The campaign includes an exclusive concert at the iconic New York City arena on March 28, 2024, featuring performers Cyndi Lauper, John Fogerty, rapper Fat Joe, comedian Chris Distefano and comedian Sam Morril.[1][2]
The private event is open to NYPD uniformed officers, civilian staff members and their loved ones. Madison Square Garden is providing the venue rent-free, with all production and operating costs covered by donations.[1][2]
Jim Dolan, CEO and executive chairman of MSG Entertainment and MSG Sports, described the event as a sincere gesture of gratitude amid criticism of law enforcement. "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," Dolan said in a statement.[1][2]
Cyndi Lauper, a two-time Grammy Award-winning singer, said: "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 at 4 Pennsylvania Plaza in Midtown Manhattan, is a multi-purpose indoor arena that hosts New York Knicks NBA games and New York Rangers NHL games, in addition to concerts and other events.[3]
The campaign encourages New York residents to submit "thank you" videos via the Madison Square Garden website.[1][2]
Sources
- Fox News, "Madison Square Garden hosts free concert for NYPD to thank them for service", February 21, 2024, https://www.foxnews.com/sports/madison-square-garden-hosts-free-concert-nypd-thank-them-service
- New York Post, "MSG to host free NYPD appreciation concert with Cyndi Lauper, Fat Joe", February 21, 2024, https://nypost.com/2024/02/21/entertainment/msg-to-host-free-nypd-appreciation-concert-with-cyndi-lauper-fat-joe/
- Wikipedia, "Madison Square Garden", accessed October 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madison_Square_Garden
