Story perspectives

Trustees Vote Sept. 15 to Close Main Building

By Drooid · Sep 14, 2026, 3:03 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Board trustees will vote on September 15 to close the main building over safety concerns.
Officials warn the center could miss payroll and routine maintenance contracts within weeks.
Revenue fell from $220 million to $124 million, creating a $23 million deficit and pandemic-low ticket sales.
Board proposes adding President Donald Trump’s name to the façade to spur fundraising.
Trustees must choose one of ten texts to place beneath Trump’s name on the exterior.

History

Historical Context

After the 2008 financial crisis—sparked by Lehman Brothers’ September 15, 2008 bankruptcy and a 53 % Dow plunge—U.S. cultural nonprofits faced steep budget cuts, exemplified by significant revenue shortfalls. Now the Center for Performing Arts trustees plan a September 15 vote to rename the hall after Donald Trump, hoping a crisis-era naming deal will secure emergency funding.

1 of 2

Story summary

Board trustees will vote on September 15 to close the main building over safety concerns.
Officials warn the center could miss payroll and routine maintenance contracts within weeks.
Revenue fell from $220 million to $124 million, creating a $23 million deficit and pandemic-low ticket sales.
Board proposes adding President Donald Trump’s name to the façade to spur fundraising.
Trustees must choose one of ten texts to place beneath Trump’s name on the exterior.

1 / 2