The Kennedy Center intends to drop its longtime not-for-profit platform Tessitura in favor of Ticketmaster, a decision that has disrupted preparations for the upcoming Kennedy Center Honors. The vendor change sparked backlash because Richard Grenell served on the board of Ticketmaster's parent firm, Live Nation, while leading the venue. Filings reveal Grenell received over $260,000 plus stock from Live Nation in 2025, but earned no salary for his presidential role at the arts center. While the venue claims the transition was initiated before Grenell arrived, staff members dispute that narrative.
Key points
Dual roles at the Kennedy Center and Live Nation created simultaneous fiduciary duties th…: Dual roles at the Kennedy Center and Live Nation created simultaneous fiduciary duties that experts identify as a conflict of interest.
Employees contradicted official claims by stating Ticketmaster was never under serious co…: Employees contradicted official claims by stating Ticketmaster was never under serious consideration before Grenell took office.
Both Richard Grenell and the Kennedy Center declined to answer questions regarding his co…: Both Richard Grenell and the Kennedy Center declined to answer questions regarding his concurrent positions.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
Kennedy Center plans Ticketmaster switch, raising conflict of interest concerns
Since 1978, the Kennedy Center Honors has been a fixture on the Washington, D.C., social calendar. Attendees at the annual December gala would be wined, dined and have an up-close glimpse of the honorees, who over the years included Fred Astaire, Ella Fitzgerald, Billy Crystal and Queen Latifah. Tickets were a hot item with high-level donors getting first dibs, which would have gone out in early summer.
The Kennedy Center Honors will be held on Dec. 7 at Washington's Capital One Arena. This year's event will celebrate songwriter Paul Anka, music producer David Foster, actor Andy Garcia, playwright David Mamet and country music singer Barbara Mandrell.
As of Nov. 11, there is only a submission form to receive information about how to buy tickets. The Kennedy Center did not provide answers to NPR about how or when tickets will be made available.
According to current and former Kennedy Center staffers, the delay is due to the center's decision to swap ticketing platforms. They asked for anonymity for fear of repercussion…
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