Thursday, January 22, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
JCCIC Releases Map and Ticket Information for Inaugural Swearing-in Ceremonies
WASHINGTON, DC – The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies today released information about the ticket and access plan for January 20, 2009. The official map of the Capitol Grounds shows the various tickets sections, identifies the colors of the tickets that correspond to each section, and identifies the most convenient Metro Stop for that sections’ entry point.
Tickets for the Inaugural Swearing-in Ceremonies will be released to Members of Congress beginning Monday, January 12, 2009. Each Member’s office is then responsible for distributing their allotment of tickets to their constituents. Members of Congress are no longer taking requests for tickets.
The 240,000 color-coded tickets were printed by the Government Printing Office and contain multiple security features to protect against counterfeiting. Every person attending the Swearing-in Ceremonies on the Capitol Grounds is required to have a ticket, including children (with the exception of infants too young to walk).
Ticketed guests must enter the Capitol Grounds through the entry point designated for their particular section. Because of the large crowds expected to be travelling to the Capitol Grounds and the National Mall, and the numerous street closures and other security measures that will impact travel routes, ticketed guests are advised to make careful plans to ensure they arrive at their designated access point well in advance of the start of the official program. Security screening gates will open at 8:00 AM, music will begin at 9:00 AM, and the formal program begins at 11:30 AM. Guests not through the screening points by 11:30 AM may not be allowed to enter.
Following are important notes for ticketed guests coming to the U.S. Capitol Grounds:
Ticketed guests with tickets in any of the south sections (Orange and Blue) or the Mall Standing Areas (Silver) will enter through gates on the south side of the Capitol Grounds. Due to the closure of Pennsylvania Avenue for the parade, those guests coming from the north will have to access the south side of the Capitol Grounds in the following ways:
* Metro: Use the Federal Center SW or Capitol South Metro stops, and walk from there (there will be signage, Wayfinders and U.S. Capitol police personnel directing tickets holders to the correct access points) Alternative Metro exits in case of overcrowding include L’Enfant Plaza to the west and Eastern Market to the east;
* On Foot from the East or Northeast: Walk around the east side of the Capitol using 2nd Street NE/SE (or streets further east) to reach C Street SE and walk west from there to the Blue, Orange and Silver gates.
* On foot from the North or Northwest: Use the 3rd Street tunnel, entrance at 3rd and D Streets near the Labor Department, NW to cross under Pennsylvania Avenue and the Mall. The tunnel will be closed to through traffic and open for pedestrian use, and this will be the only way to cross Pennsylvania Avenue and the Mall near the Capitol.
Ticketed guests in the north sections (Yellow and Purple tickets) will enter on the North side of the Capitol grounds. Guests will also need to follow routes that do not require them to cross Pennsylvania Avenue.
* Metro: Union Station is the best access point for Yellow Ticket Holders; Judiciary Square is the preferred Metro station for Purple ticket holders.
* On foot from the South or Southwest – Use the 3rd Street tunnel to cross under the Mall and Pennsylvania Avenue. One side of the tunnel will be closed for pedestrian use, and this is the only way to cross the Mall near the Capitol. Or, walk around the Capitol to the east using 2nd Street SE/NE (or streets further east) to reach the north side of the Capitol Grounds.
Metro riders should be aware that Metro trains may not be able to stop at stations that are deemed to be overcrowded for safety reasons. If this happens, and ticketed persons miss the designated stop for their ticket area, they should get off at the next possible stop and walk back toward their designated station.
Information about how to access the Capitol Grounds and other important information for people with tickets to the Inaugural Swearing-in Ceremonies is available on the website of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, http://www.inaugural.senate.gov. The website also includes an interactive map that allows users to enter their address and find public transportation routes to the Capitol. The map includes markers for all VRE, MARC, and Metrorail train stations operating on Inauguration Day outside the District of Columbia. When a marker is selected (or clicked) an information bubble displays showing the station name, address, type of transportation (metro, VRE, MARC), and two links: one to the station web page and one to the inauguration page setup by either VRE, MARC, or metro. This will help people make decisions about which form of transportation is best to use.
Tickets for the Inaugural Swearing-in Ceremonies will be released to Members of Congress beginning Monday, January 12, 2009. Each Member’s office is then responsible for distributing their allotment of tickets to their constituents. Members of Congress are no longer taking requests for tickets.
The 240,000 color-coded tickets were printed by the Government Printing Office and contain multiple security features to protect against counterfeiting. Every person attending the Swearing-in Ceremonies on the Capitol Grounds is required to have a ticket, including children (with the exception of infants too young to walk).
Ticketed guests must enter the Capitol Grounds through the entry point designated for their particular section. Because of the large crowds expected to be travelling to the Capitol Grounds and the National Mall, and the numerous street closures and other security measures that will impact travel routes, ticketed guests are advised to make careful plans to ensure they arrive at their designated access point well in advance of the start of the official program. Security screening gates will open at 8:00 AM, music will begin at 9:00 AM, and the formal program begins at 11:30 AM. Guests not through the screening points by 11:30 AM may not be allowed to enter.
Following are important notes for ticketed guests coming to the U.S. Capitol Grounds:
Ticketed guests with tickets in any of the south sections (Orange and Blue) or the Mall Standing Areas (Silver) will enter through gates on the south side of the Capitol Grounds. Due to the closure of Pennsylvania Avenue for the parade, those guests coming from the north will have to access the south side of the Capitol Grounds in the following ways:
* Metro: Use the Federal Center SW or Capitol South Metro stops, and walk from there (there will be signage, Wayfinders and U.S. Capitol police personnel directing tickets holders to the correct access points) Alternative Metro exits in case of overcrowding include L’Enfant Plaza to the west and Eastern Market to the east;
* On Foot from the East or Northeast: Walk around the east side of the Capitol using 2nd Street NE/SE (or streets further east) to reach C Street SE and walk west from there to the Blue, Orange and Silver gates.
* On foot from the North or Northwest: Use the 3rd Street tunnel, entrance at 3rd and D Streets near the Labor Department, NW to cross under Pennsylvania Avenue and the Mall. The tunnel will be closed to through traffic and open for pedestrian use, and this will be the only way to cross Pennsylvania Avenue and the Mall near the Capitol.
Ticketed guests in the north sections (Yellow and Purple tickets) will enter on the North side of the Capitol grounds. Guests will also need to follow routes that do not require them to cross Pennsylvania Avenue.
* Metro: Union Station is the best access point for Yellow Ticket Holders; Judiciary Square is the preferred Metro station for Purple ticket holders.
* On foot from the South or Southwest – Use the 3rd Street tunnel to cross under the Mall and Pennsylvania Avenue. One side of the tunnel will be closed for pedestrian use, and this is the only way to cross the Mall near the Capitol. Or, walk around the Capitol to the east using 2nd Street SE/NE (or streets further east) to reach the north side of the Capitol Grounds.
Metro riders should be aware that Metro trains may not be able to stop at stations that are deemed to be overcrowded for safety reasons. If this happens, and ticketed persons miss the designated stop for their ticket area, they should get off at the next possible stop and walk back toward their designated station.
Information about how to access the Capitol Grounds and other important information for people with tickets to the Inaugural Swearing-in Ceremonies is available on the website of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, http://www.inaugural.senate.gov. The website also includes an interactive map that allows users to enter their address and find public transportation routes to the Capitol. The map includes markers for all VRE, MARC, and Metrorail train stations operating on Inauguration Day outside the District of Columbia. When a marker is selected (or clicked) an information bubble displays showing the station name, address, type of transportation (metro, VRE, MARC), and two links: one to the station web page and one to the inauguration page setup by either VRE, MARC, or metro. This will help people make decisions about which form of transportation is best to use.
Inauguration Day MARC Tickets SOLD OUT
For those folks coming in from the Baltimore MD area, this update is for you..
The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) is announcing that all MARC Train tickets to the Inauguration are sold out.
Customers are strongly encouraged to use the MTA’s special Commuter Bus service to Metrorail on Inauguration Day. Commuter Bus shuttles will operate between 5:30am and 10:30 am from selected park and ride locations and the DC Metrorail with fifteen-minute intervals.
Return trip service will resume at 4:00pm until 9pm. Reservations are not required and customers can purchase their round trip tickets onboard Inauguration Day. Tickets are $10.00 and customers must have exact change.
The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) is announcing that all MARC Train tickets to the Inauguration are sold out.
Customers are strongly encouraged to use the MTA’s special Commuter Bus service to Metrorail on Inauguration Day. Commuter Bus shuttles will operate between 5:30am and 10:30 am from selected park and ride locations and the DC Metrorail with fifteen-minute intervals.
Return trip service will resume at 4:00pm until 9pm. Reservations are not required and customers can purchase their round trip tickets onboard Inauguration Day. Tickets are $10.00 and customers must have exact change.
The Washington Post's FAQ for the Inauguration
Inauguration Day Timing
Some of this information is preliminary. More detail will be added as it becomes available.
* 4 a.m. -- Metro opens (at rush-hour service and fare levels).
* 5 a.m. -- Monday extended alcohol service for bars and nightclubs ends; they can remain open 24 hours through Jan. 21.
* 8 a.m. -- Security gates open for ticketed guests
* 9 a.m. -- Ceremony gates open.
* 10 a.m. -- Musical prelude. See the full schedule.
* Noon -- Ceremony ends, followed by the inaugural address, luncheon, departure of President Bush and parade.
* 7 p.m. -- Rush-hour Metro service levels end.
* 2 a.m. -- Metro closes.
* 5 a.m. -- Tuesday extended alcohol service for bars and nightclubs ends.
Open and Closed
Transportation
* Metro's Smithsonian and Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter subway stops will be closed Jan. 20
* For bridge and road closures and parking moratoriums, see http://voices.washingtonpost.com/getthere/2009/01/road_restrictions_for_inaugura.html
Facilities
* Tickets required for area of mall immediately west of Capitol (map)
* Multiple closed areas on parade route (map)
* Washington Monument will be closed
* Phillips Collection, Corcoran Gallery, Museum for Women in the Arts, the Library of Congress, Smithsonian's Renwick Gallery and most of the National Gallery will be closed.
* The West Building of the National Gallery and all other Smithsonian museums will be open
* Newseum will be open, but apparently has sold all tickets for the time of the parade.
The Post's Inauguration FAQ
Need to know exactly what to expect during Inauguration Week -- and the big day itself?
Here's your starting point: Inauguration Watch's list of frequently asked questions. (We'll be adding to this document over time as more information becomes known -- many of these items are still developing.)
Of course, you can also e-mail us directly with information or questions -- we'll do our best to help.
Click on the sections below to jump directly to the information you want.
Sections
* Inauguration Day Timing
* Open and Closed
* Prohibited Items
* The Ceremony
* The Parade
* The Balls
* Lodgings and Getting Around
* Dining, Nightlife and Entertainment
* For Washington-Area Residents
* More Resources
Inauguration Day Timing
Some of this information is preliminary. More detail will be added as it becomes available.
* 4 a.m. -- Metro opens (at rush-hour service and fare levels).
* 5 a.m. -- Monday extended alcohol service for bars and nightclubs ends; they can remain open 24 hours through Jan. 21.
* 8 a.m. -- Security gates open for ticketed guests
* 9 a.m. -- Ceremony gates open.
* 10 a.m. -- Musical prelude. See the full schedule.
* Noon -- Ceremony ends, followed by the inaugural address, luncheon, departure of President Bush and parade.
* 7 p.m. -- Rush-hour Metro service levels end.
* 2 a.m. -- Metro closes.
* 5 a.m. -- Tuesday extended alcohol service for bars and nightclubs ends.
Open and Closed
Transportation
* Metro's Smithsonian and Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter subway stops will be closed Jan. 20
* For bridge and road closures and parking moratoriums, see the Get There blog
Facilities
* Tickets required for area of mall immediately west of Capitol (map)
* Multiple closed areas on parade route (map)
* Washington Monument will be closed
* Phillips Collection, Corcoran Gallery, Museum for Women in the Arts, the Library of Congress, Smithsonian's Renwick Gallery and most of the National Gallery will be closed.
* The West Building of the National Gallery and all other Smithsonian museums will be open
* Newseum will be open, but apparently has sold all tickets for the time of the parade.
* Restuarants: For the latest list of open eateries, check the Going Out Gurus blog's inauguration category
Prohibited Items
The Obvious
* No firearms (real or simulated)
* No mace or pepper spray
* No fireworks or other explosives
* No animals other than service animals
* No knives, blades or sharp objects
* No pocket or hand tools such as the “Leatherman”
* Security screeners have the power to prohibit any items that may pose a threat to the security of the event.
On the Mall
* No tents or that includes no camping out
* No glass bottles-
* No alcohol
On the Metro
* No bicycles for the entire inauguration weekend
* No signs or placards more than 18 inches by 18 inches
* No signs or placards affixed to a pole
* No using metro bathrooms -- they will be closed for security purposes
* No parking at Greenbelt, Van Dorn Street or Morgan Boulevard stations
* No plastic or checks for Metro parking -- cash only
Along the Parade Route and at Official Balls
* No bicycles
* No backpacks, large bags, suitcases or duffel bags. Bags smaller than 8 inches by 6 inches by 4 inches are allowed.
* No aerosol cans, which could include silly string
* No coolers
* No thermal or glass containers
* No chairs or strollers
* Signs are allowed, but only if they are no more than 3 feet in length, 20 feet wide or a quarter inch thick. They must be made out of poster board, cardboard or cloth.
* Cameras are allowed; tripods and camera bags are not
* No staking out spots until 7 a.m.
On Capitol Grounds
* Ticketed attendees only
* No strollers
* No laser pointers
* No umbrellas
* No posters
* No food or beverages, but small snacks are allowed
* No thermoses or coolers
* No backpacks, large bags, suitcases or duffel bags
* Walkers and canes will be allowed
The Swearing-In Ceremony
What takes place during the ceremony?
The sitting president and president-elect, as well as the vice president-elect, travel to the Capitol from the White House for the swearing-in ceremony. Weather varies, but it typically is close to the freezing point with a good chance of snow on the ground, according to historical data compiled by the National Weather Service.
The president and vice president elect take the oath of office from Supreme Court Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., after which the new president delivers his inaugural address. Festivities begin at 10 a.m. on the west front of the Capitol, which faces the National Mall. Obama must be sworn in by noon.
The schedule is as follows (read more about inaugural poet Elizabeth Alexander here and the complete biographies of all participants here):
Musical Selections
The United States Marine Band
Musical Selections
The San Francisco Boys Chorus and the San Francisco Girls Chorus
Call to Order and Welcoming Remarks
The Honorable Dianne Feinstein
Invocation
Dr. Rick Warren, Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, CA
Musical Selection
Aretha Franklin
Oath of Office Administered to Vice President-elect Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
By Associate Justice of the Supreme Court The Honorable John Paul Stevens
Musical Selection, John Williams, composer/arranger
• Itzhak Perlman, Violin
• Yo-Yo Ma, Cello
• Gabriela Montero, Piano
• Anthony McGill, Clarinet
Oath of Office Administered to President-elect Barack H. Obama
By the Chief Justice of the United States The Honorable John G. Roberts, Jr.
Inaugural Address
The President of the United States, The Honorable Barack H. Obama
Poem
Elizabeth Alexander
Benediction
The Reverend Dr. Joseph E. Lowery
The National Anthem
The United States Navy Band “Sea Chanters”
After the address, the new president escorts the outgoing chief executive to a departure ceremony before attending a luncheon in the Capitol’s Statuary Hall.
Do I need a ticket to view the ceremony?
Tickets will be needed for the areas closest to the stage in front of the Capitol. A total of 240,000 have been printed so far; they will be distributed before the inauguration by members of Congress and the Presidential Inaugural Committee.
The likeliest way to obtain a ticket is to contact your local member of Congress, though many legislators have already reported a deluge of requests.
If you can't get a ticket, you can still watch from various free areas on the National Mall. Large television screens are expected to be set up in various spots around the area.
What else takes place on Inauguration Day?
In recent years, the day has started with the president-elect attending a morning worship service, a custom started by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933. After the worship service, the president-elect is escorted to the White House by members of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.
President Bush is expected to leave the Capitol right after the swearing-in, and, following a formal departure ceremony, leave Washington from the east front of the Capitol via helicopter.
The new president's day usually concludes with one or more official inaugural balls.
The Parade
What takes place during the parade?
After his luncheon, President Obama will travel to the White House, where he will watch the parade from a reviewing stand.
What is the parade route?
The parade, which takes place after the swearing-in ceremony, will run down Pennsylvania Ave. NW from the Capitol to the White House.
Who else will be in the parade?
Between 10,000 and 12,000 participants from college, high school, and military bands -- as well as drill teams, military honor guards and other groups -- are expected to march with Obama in the parade.
QUESTION: Do I need a ticket to view the ceremony?
ANSWER: Tickets will be needed for the areas closest to the stage in front of the Capitol. A total of 240,000 have been printed so far; they will be distributed before the inauguration by members of Congress and the Presidential Inaugural Committee.
The likeliest way to obtain a ticket is to contact your local member of Congress, though many legislators have already reported a deluge of requests.
If you can't get a ticket, you can still watch from various free areas on the National Mall. Large television screens are expected to be set up in various spots around the area.
QUESTION: Do I need a ticket to view the parade?
ANSWER: Tickets are needed to sit in one of the 8,700 planned bleacher seats, but no ticket is required to watch from the sidewalk. Tickets will sold by the Presidential Inaugural Committee.
Unused bleacher seats are expected to be made available to the public a few minutes before the parade begins.
Some of this information is preliminary. More detail will be added as it becomes available.
* 4 a.m. -- Metro opens (at rush-hour service and fare levels).
* 5 a.m. -- Monday extended alcohol service for bars and nightclubs ends; they can remain open 24 hours through Jan. 21.
* 8 a.m. -- Security gates open for ticketed guests
* 9 a.m. -- Ceremony gates open.
* 10 a.m. -- Musical prelude. See the full schedule.
* Noon -- Ceremony ends, followed by the inaugural address, luncheon, departure of President Bush and parade.
* 7 p.m. -- Rush-hour Metro service levels end.
* 2 a.m. -- Metro closes.
* 5 a.m. -- Tuesday extended alcohol service for bars and nightclubs ends.
Open and Closed
Transportation
* Metro's Smithsonian and Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter subway stops will be closed Jan. 20
* For bridge and road closures and parking moratoriums, see http://voices.washingtonpost.com/getthere/2009/01/road_restrictions_for_inaugura.html
Facilities
* Tickets required for area of mall immediately west of Capitol (map)
* Multiple closed areas on parade route (map)
* Washington Monument will be closed
* Phillips Collection, Corcoran Gallery, Museum for Women in the Arts, the Library of Congress, Smithsonian's Renwick Gallery and most of the National Gallery will be closed.
* The West Building of the National Gallery and all other Smithsonian museums will be open
* Newseum will be open, but apparently has sold all tickets for the time of the parade.
The Post's Inauguration FAQ
Need to know exactly what to expect during Inauguration Week -- and the big day itself?
Here's your starting point: Inauguration Watch's list of frequently asked questions. (We'll be adding to this document over time as more information becomes known -- many of these items are still developing.)
Of course, you can also e-mail us directly with information or questions -- we'll do our best to help.
Click on the sections below to jump directly to the information you want.
Sections
* Inauguration Day Timing
* Open and Closed
* Prohibited Items
* The Ceremony
* The Parade
* The Balls
* Lodgings and Getting Around
* Dining, Nightlife and Entertainment
* For Washington-Area Residents
* More Resources
Inauguration Day Timing
Some of this information is preliminary. More detail will be added as it becomes available.
* 4 a.m. -- Metro opens (at rush-hour service and fare levels).
* 5 a.m. -- Monday extended alcohol service for bars and nightclubs ends; they can remain open 24 hours through Jan. 21.
* 8 a.m. -- Security gates open for ticketed guests
* 9 a.m. -- Ceremony gates open.
* 10 a.m. -- Musical prelude. See the full schedule.
* Noon -- Ceremony ends, followed by the inaugural address, luncheon, departure of President Bush and parade.
* 7 p.m. -- Rush-hour Metro service levels end.
* 2 a.m. -- Metro closes.
* 5 a.m. -- Tuesday extended alcohol service for bars and nightclubs ends.
Open and Closed
Transportation
* Metro's Smithsonian and Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter subway stops will be closed Jan. 20
* For bridge and road closures and parking moratoriums, see the Get There blog
Facilities
* Tickets required for area of mall immediately west of Capitol (map)
* Multiple closed areas on parade route (map)
* Washington Monument will be closed
* Phillips Collection, Corcoran Gallery, Museum for Women in the Arts, the Library of Congress, Smithsonian's Renwick Gallery and most of the National Gallery will be closed.
* The West Building of the National Gallery and all other Smithsonian museums will be open
* Newseum will be open, but apparently has sold all tickets for the time of the parade.
* Restuarants: For the latest list of open eateries, check the Going Out Gurus blog's inauguration category
Prohibited Items
The Obvious
* No firearms (real or simulated)
* No mace or pepper spray
* No fireworks or other explosives
* No animals other than service animals
* No knives, blades or sharp objects
* No pocket or hand tools such as the “Leatherman”
* Security screeners have the power to prohibit any items that may pose a threat to the security of the event.
On the Mall
* No tents or that includes no camping out
* No glass bottles-
* No alcohol
On the Metro
* No bicycles for the entire inauguration weekend
* No signs or placards more than 18 inches by 18 inches
* No signs or placards affixed to a pole
* No using metro bathrooms -- they will be closed for security purposes
* No parking at Greenbelt, Van Dorn Street or Morgan Boulevard stations
* No plastic or checks for Metro parking -- cash only
Along the Parade Route and at Official Balls
* No bicycles
* No backpacks, large bags, suitcases or duffel bags. Bags smaller than 8 inches by 6 inches by 4 inches are allowed.
* No aerosol cans, which could include silly string
* No coolers
* No thermal or glass containers
* No chairs or strollers
* Signs are allowed, but only if they are no more than 3 feet in length, 20 feet wide or a quarter inch thick. They must be made out of poster board, cardboard or cloth.
* Cameras are allowed; tripods and camera bags are not
* No staking out spots until 7 a.m.
On Capitol Grounds
* Ticketed attendees only
* No strollers
* No laser pointers
* No umbrellas
* No posters
* No food or beverages, but small snacks are allowed
* No thermoses or coolers
* No backpacks, large bags, suitcases or duffel bags
* Walkers and canes will be allowed
The Swearing-In Ceremony
What takes place during the ceremony?
The sitting president and president-elect, as well as the vice president-elect, travel to the Capitol from the White House for the swearing-in ceremony. Weather varies, but it typically is close to the freezing point with a good chance of snow on the ground, according to historical data compiled by the National Weather Service.
The president and vice president elect take the oath of office from Supreme Court Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., after which the new president delivers his inaugural address. Festivities begin at 10 a.m. on the west front of the Capitol, which faces the National Mall. Obama must be sworn in by noon.
The schedule is as follows (read more about inaugural poet Elizabeth Alexander here and the complete biographies of all participants here):
Musical Selections
The United States Marine Band
Musical Selections
The San Francisco Boys Chorus and the San Francisco Girls Chorus
Call to Order and Welcoming Remarks
The Honorable Dianne Feinstein
Invocation
Dr. Rick Warren, Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, CA
Musical Selection
Aretha Franklin
Oath of Office Administered to Vice President-elect Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
By Associate Justice of the Supreme Court The Honorable John Paul Stevens
Musical Selection, John Williams, composer/arranger
• Itzhak Perlman, Violin
• Yo-Yo Ma, Cello
• Gabriela Montero, Piano
• Anthony McGill, Clarinet
Oath of Office Administered to President-elect Barack H. Obama
By the Chief Justice of the United States The Honorable John G. Roberts, Jr.
Inaugural Address
The President of the United States, The Honorable Barack H. Obama
Poem
Elizabeth Alexander
Benediction
The Reverend Dr. Joseph E. Lowery
The National Anthem
The United States Navy Band “Sea Chanters”
After the address, the new president escorts the outgoing chief executive to a departure ceremony before attending a luncheon in the Capitol’s Statuary Hall.
Do I need a ticket to view the ceremony?
Tickets will be needed for the areas closest to the stage in front of the Capitol. A total of 240,000 have been printed so far; they will be distributed before the inauguration by members of Congress and the Presidential Inaugural Committee.
The likeliest way to obtain a ticket is to contact your local member of Congress, though many legislators have already reported a deluge of requests.
If you can't get a ticket, you can still watch from various free areas on the National Mall. Large television screens are expected to be set up in various spots around the area.
What else takes place on Inauguration Day?
In recent years, the day has started with the president-elect attending a morning worship service, a custom started by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933. After the worship service, the president-elect is escorted to the White House by members of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.
President Bush is expected to leave the Capitol right after the swearing-in, and, following a formal departure ceremony, leave Washington from the east front of the Capitol via helicopter.
The new president's day usually concludes with one or more official inaugural balls.
The Parade
What takes place during the parade?
After his luncheon, President Obama will travel to the White House, where he will watch the parade from a reviewing stand.
What is the parade route?
The parade, which takes place after the swearing-in ceremony, will run down Pennsylvania Ave. NW from the Capitol to the White House.
Who else will be in the parade?
Between 10,000 and 12,000 participants from college, high school, and military bands -- as well as drill teams, military honor guards and other groups -- are expected to march with Obama in the parade.
QUESTION: Do I need a ticket to view the ceremony?
ANSWER: Tickets will be needed for the areas closest to the stage in front of the Capitol. A total of 240,000 have been printed so far; they will be distributed before the inauguration by members of Congress and the Presidential Inaugural Committee.
The likeliest way to obtain a ticket is to contact your local member of Congress, though many legislators have already reported a deluge of requests.
If you can't get a ticket, you can still watch from various free areas on the National Mall. Large television screens are expected to be set up in various spots around the area.
QUESTION: Do I need a ticket to view the parade?
ANSWER: Tickets are needed to sit in one of the 8,700 planned bleacher seats, but no ticket is required to watch from the sidewalk. Tickets will sold by the Presidential Inaugural Committee.
Unused bleacher seats are expected to be made available to the public a few minutes before the parade begins.
The Inauguration of Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States
The inauguration of President Barack Obama on Jan. 20, 2009, is expected to be one of the largest public gatherings ever to take place in Washington, D.C. Millions are expected to visit the National Mall and other nearby points to view the ceremony either in person or via telescreens, watch the parade from the U.S. Capitol to the White House, and more. On this 2009 inauguration map, The Post will detail information visitors can use to plan their trips downtown. It will be updated periodically as more information becomes available.
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