In 2023, about 80% of The Kennedy Center’s tickets were sold or given out for their fall performances. In 2024, that number was 93%.

This year, it’s 57% source, and that’s even before he added his name to the venue. I’ll also note that the original WaPo article said that staff had never before been offered so many free tickets; that at some performances the upper levels were closed off; and that at some performances audience members were repeatedly encouraged to move closer to the stage. All of which means they’re really desperate for seat fillers, to avoid looking like a dying mall.