The Kennedy Center is rolling out $25,000 VIP rooftop tickets for its Independence Day fireworks celebration, a high-dollar event that comes as the venue faces financial blows over donations tied to President Donald Trump’s name being removed from the building.
The performing arts center was scheduled to close starting July 4 for a two-year $250 million renovation project under the direction of the Trump administration, but a federal judge blocked the plan to close the venue, instead ordering it to remain open.
“As the sun sets, make your way to the Roof Terrace for an elevated, family-friendly celebration featuring exceptional food, festive cocktails, live music, and activities for all ages, all in the comfort of a climate-controlled setting,” the “Fireworks on the Fourth” page of the Kennedy Center website reads.
The main attraction to the ticketed event is premium viewing for “the largest Fourth of July fireworks display of all time” on the National Mall.
A $25,000 “Presidential” package includes 36 seats at three tables on the terrace, with a portion of the ticket price functioning as a charitable donation to the center of $18,912, according to the listed tax-deductible amount.
The second-tier ticket option, the “Vice Presidential” package, is $15,000, seats up to 24 guests, and includes a donation of $10,941. Other tiers include a “Statesman” package at $7,500 and a “Red Pass” costing $600.
General admission tickets start at $425, including a donation of $256, and children’s tickets go for $125 but are not tax-deductible.
Those who purchase either the presidential, vice presidential, or statesman packages will be recognized at the event and listed as sponsors on the commemorative Fireworks on the Fourth event map. All of the ticketing options include access to an air-conditioned lounge, complimentary parking, and libations and food.
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The Kennedy Center was originally planning to close its doors during the Independence Day weekend for renovations. However, a federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s plan to halt public operations and programming to do repairs as part of the orders to remove Trump’s name from the building.
On Monday, the center alleged that removing Trump’s name to comply with the judge’s orders could thwart “hundreds of millions” of charitable contributions pledged to the Kennedy Center with Trump’s name attached. Additionally, several planned performances were canceled as artists backed out since Trump took over, further hurting the opportunity for revenue.