Chris Stapleton Headlines $17.76 America250 Benefit as Tens of Thousands Fill L.A. Coliseum
Updated
Updated · Los Angeles Times · Jul 5
Chris Stapleton Headlines $17.76 America250 Benefit as Tens of Thousands Fill L.A. Coliseum
3 articles · Updated · Los Angeles Times · Jul 5
Summary
Tens of thousands packed the L.A. Memorial Coliseum for America250’s July 4 benefit concert, where Chris Stapleton topped a lineup including Smashing Pumpkins, Chaka Khan, Maren Morris and Queen Latifah.
Tickets were priced at $17.76 and proceeds went to Feeding America, with organizers pitching the event as “no politics — just purpose” for the nation’s 250th-birthday celebration.
America250’s turnout exceeded expectations after slow ticket sales in prior weeks; the Coliseum appeared close to full by the time Stapleton took the stage.
The Los Angeles show also underscored a contrast with Washington’s rival Freedom 250 event, where President Trump delivered a grievance-filled speech after weather delays.
How will the dual approaches to the 250th festivities, from LA to D.C., influence the planning of future national events?
Which 250th celebration model proved more resilient against unexpected challenges like extreme weather, and what lessons were learned for public safety?