Rick Pitino Joins ‘Thank You NYPD’ Campaign Ahead of St John’s March Madness Opener
NEWNow you can listen to News articles!
The “Thank You, NYPD” campaign in New York City is an ongoing effort to show appreciation for those who wear blue.
The campaign has encouraged residents to upload videos expressing their appreciation for the department. St. John’s head coach Rick Pitino was among those who responded and thanked those he said had helped maintain a safe environment in the city.
“I want to sincerely thank the NYPD officers who do such an incredible job keeping our city safe,” Pitino said Friday in a video posted to Madison Square Garden’s Instagram account. “Thank you so much.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON News
News Sports broadcaster Gus Johnson interviews St. John’s head coach Rick Pitino after the Red Storm defeated the Connecticut Huskies in the Big East Conference Tournament championship at Madison Square Garden in New York City on March 14, 2026. (Brad Penner/Image Images)
Pitino’s show of gratitude came just hours before the Red Storm’s first-round game in the NCAA men’s tournament. Fifth-seeded St. John’s faced No. 12 Northern Iowa on Friday night in San Diego.
Later this month, as part of the campaign, Madison Square Garden will host an exclusive concert with a star-studded lineup, including Cyndi Lauper, John Fogerty, rapper and New York Knicks fan Fat Joe, and others. St. John’s plays most of its home games at Madison Square Garden.
ICONIC SPORTS VENUE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN TO HOST NYPD AND STAFF IN PRIVATE CONCERT AMID ‘THANK YOU’ EFFORT
“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.
Newly commissioned New York City police officers greet family members after the police cadet graduation ceremony on March 9, 2026, outside Madison Square Garden in New York City. (Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images)
Uniformed police officers and civilian staff members, along with their loved ones, will be invited to the private event, 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 performers confirmed for the event.
MSG Entertainment said it will donate the venue and cover all costs of the event. MSG Entertainment and MSG Sports CEO and CEO Jim Dolan said the event was not political but a “sincere” show of gratitude to the city’s police department.
Madison Square Garden sports executive Jim Dolan attends a game between the Houston Rockets and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 17, 2024 in New York City. (Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE News APP
“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.
“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.”
Follow News Digital sports coverage in Xand subscribe to the News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Chantz Martin is a sports writer for News Digital.