Overview
- Washington Post analysis of Sept. 3–Oct. 19 performances found about 43% of tickets for the Opera House, Concert Hall, and Eisenhower Theater remained unsold, leaving more than 50,000 of roughly 143,000 seats empty.
- Consumer Edge credit and debit data reviewed by the Post show less than half as much money was spent on tickets in early fall 2025 compared with the same period in 2024.
- Earlier internal figures signaled broader weakness, with subscriptions down roughly 36% by early summer and single-ticket sales in April–May nearly 50% below 2024 levels.
- Artist and audience backlash has grown, including cancellations such as the Hamilton tour and program shifts like moving Parade to a smaller venue, while staff describe a polarizing brand and increased use of complimentary seats.
- Interim leader Richard Grenell defends the programming shift as “common-sense” and predicts growth, as outside experts warn depressed attendance threatens fundraising and reports note wider industry softness and local disruptions.