Kennedy Center rolling out $25,000 VIP rooftop tickets for July 4th celebrations

The Kennedy Center is offering VIP tickets for a rooftop celebration on the Fourth of July, a move that comes after a federal judge sidelined the venue’s plans to start a two-year renovation on July 5.

Prospective patrons can purchase the “Presidential” package for $25,000, with $18,912 of that cost being tax-deductible, according to the center’s website.

With the package, they can bring up to 36 guests and will have three reserved tables on the roof terrace of the Kennedy Center, a climate-controlled indoor lounge, complimentary parking at the center and “unparalleled views” of the fireworks on the National Mall.

Saturday in Washington will feature a high of 99 degrees, with a 50 percent chance of thunderstorms, according to AccuWeather.

The “Salute to America 250 Celebration & Fireworks” event on the National Mall is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. EDT, with President Trump scheduled to speak at 9:45 p.m. and fireworks set for 45 minutes later — although the president quipped on Wednesday he will give a “really long speech just to show that I can do anything.”

Those who purchase the presidential package also will be listed as a “Presidential Sponsor” in the commemorative map of the fireworks event on the mall.

Four partially tax-deductible packages are available, including a “Vice Presidential” offering for $15,000 that will offer purchasers the chance to invite 24 guests and the same on-site amenities as the presidential package — with the exception of one fewer table on the terrace.

Individuals can also purchase red and blue passes for $600 and $425, respectively, with nontax-deductible child passes available for $125.

“Join us for Fireworks on the Fourth as we celebrate our nation’s birthday in spectacular fashion, surrounded by family, friends, and the most iconic views” in the nation’s capital, the description of the offering notes.

Earlier this year, the board of the Kennedy Center approved Trump’s two-year closure and renovation plan. After returning to office, Trump exerted sweeping authority over the performing arts center, appointing new board members — who then named him chair of the board and voted to add his name to the center.

But in May, U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled the institution’s board improperly voted to shut down the center. He also directed the center to remove Trump’s name from the exterior of the building, ruling in favor of Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) — an ex officio board member of the Kennedy Center.

Last month, the Trump administration said in a court filing it is still considering a “partial closure” of the center, despite the ruling from Cooper, an appointee of former President Obama. On Wednesday, Cooper scheduled a conference in the case for July 28.

The center is also offering free parking to those who want to attend “The Great American State Fair” on the National Mall during the day and watch the fireworks from the center’s Reach plaza.

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Lovin Malta

Kennedy Center rolling out $25,000 VIP rooftop tickets for July 4th celebrations

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