Contemporary newspapers commented on the unusual elevation of the building, with the grand tier at street level, and the stalls and arena downstairs.

The second tier of privately held boxes (the "grand tier") was converted into standard row seating.

Operagoers sat cross-legged on the red-carpeted floor of the grand tier, eating bag lunches.

Tickets: balcony, $40; orchestra, $50; central orchestra and grand tier, $55 (Tommasini).

"I didn't know that my name had been removed from the grand tier until I was asked to comment by a reporter."

It seats 2,955 with the ceiling at full height, 2,343 with it at the front edge of the flying balcony, and 743 when the grand tier is entirely closed off.

After the performance, Oscar de la Renta, the gala chairman, led 300 guests to the grand tier for a Metropolitan Opera Guild champagne supper.

It is on the grand tier.

The auditorium seats a total of 3,017 people on its main floor, grand tier and balcony.

His name was pulled off the Metropolitan Opera's grand tier because he had failed to make good on a portion of $20 million in pledges.