Iconic Madison Square Garden sports venue to host NYPD and staff in private concert amid gratitude effort
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The “Thank You, NYPD” campaign unveiled the next step in its ongoing effort to show appreciation for those in blue.
Later this month, the iconic sports and entertainment venue will host an exclusive concert. Attendees will see a star-studded lineup that includes Cyndi Lauper, John Fogerty, rapper and New York Knicks fan Fat Joe, and others.
“Today we announce ‘Thank You, NYPD,’ a campaign encouraging all New Yorkers to thank the New York City Police Department for its service to our great city.” Madison Square Garden said Wednesday in a post on X.
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Amini performed at Madison Square Garden on February 15, 2026. (Plexi Images/GHI/UCG/Universal Images Group)
Uniformed police officers and civilian staff members, as well as their loved ones, will be invited to the private event, which is scheduled for March 28. “The Garden” also urged New York residents to send individual thank you videos.
Comedians Chris Distefano and Sam Morril are also among the group of performers confirmed for the special show.
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The event will be held rent-free and MSG announced that all production and operating costs will be covered by donations.
Before the show, Lauper praised the NYPD and emphasized unity and support throughout New York City.
“I am happy to show my appreciation to the brave members of the NYPD by performing at this MSG event. We are all New Yorkers and the NYPD is a very important part of our community,” the two-time Grammy Award winner said in a statement. “I am a lifelong New Yorker and we are at our best when we support each other. I hope my fellow New Yorkers join me in thanking the NYPD and their families.”
General view of the exterior of Madison Square Garden, site of the 101st Millrose Games, on February 1, 2008 in New York City, New York. (Kirby Lee/Sports Image/USA TODAY Sports)
MSG Entertainment and MSG Sports CEO and CEO Jim Dolan said the event was not political, but rather a “sincere” show of gratitude to the city’s police department.
“There are times in our culture today when the voice of the dissident is louder than that of the majority. Such is the case with law enforcement and, in particular, the NYPD,” Dolan said in a statement.
An exterior view of Madison Square Garden on February 12, 2015 in New York, New York. (Bob Donnan/USA TODAY Sports)
“Cries of ‘defund the police’ and other negative statements do not reflect the true feelings of New Yorkers. If that is what our police officers hear and no one comes forward to say otherwise, that can be disheartening. This concert to say, ‘Thank you, NYPD’ is designed to let our police know that we, New Yorkers, need, respect and appreciate their efforts and service.”
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MSG Sports is the holding company that owns the Knicks, and Dolan serves as the franchise’s governor on the NBA Board of Governors.
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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for News Digital.