Inauguration GO-TO Guide

IF YOU GO, WILL YOU SEE IT?
If I go to Washington, will I be able to see Obama’s swearing-in?

It will be difficult to get close enough to directly witness the Tuesday’s swearing-in. Tickets are required for the area closest to the Capitol steps where Obama will be sworn in at noon. They were given out by members of Congress and the Presidential Inaugural Committee. Those who were able to snag tickets have already been notified.

Without a ticket, the next best option is to stand farther back on the National Mall. The mall stretches two miles from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial. Hundreds of speakers and numerous large video screens will be placed on the mall so people can see and hear Obama’s swearing-in and the inaugural parade.

Tickets are not required for the Mall. While it’s open around-the-clock, security officials are asking people not show
up any earlier than 4 a.m. when Washington’s Metro system will open.

Officials don’t want people staking out spots during the days and nights leading up to the Inauguration for several reasons — a security sweep of the mall may require people to move; tents are not allowed on the Mall and the average temperature on Inauguration Day in Washington is 37 degrees.

THE PARADE
How do I see the parade?
The parade route will run from the Capitol to the White House along Pennsylvania Avenue. About 15,000 people will participate in the two-hour parade, which will begin at 2:30 p.m.

Advanced tickets to planned bleacher seats along the parade route are sold out. Tickets are not needed to stand along the sidewalk. People will be allowed onto the sidewalk on a first-come, first-serve basis. Officials have warned crowds who gather to watch the swearing-in on the Mall are not likely to be able to get an in-person view of the parade, too.

Thirteen entry points for all parade-goers will open at 7 a.m. for parade entrance. To find out where to enter, visit http://www.secret
service.gov/presidential_inaugural.shtml.

SECURITY
How tight will security be?

Everyone who has tickets to the swearing-in ceremony or the official inaugural balls as well as all parade attendees will go through a security screening and can expect long lines.

Those on the non-ticketed portion of the National Mall will not face as strict security screening as those closer to the Capitol. But expect a strong law enforcement presence.

For a list of what items not to bring, visit http://inauguration.dc.gov/spectator_info.asp.

A PLACE TO SLEEP
Are there still places to stay?

If you still don’t have a place to stay, there may be some rooms available in the Washington area. As of Jan. 5, 600 rooms were still available in Washington and 12,000 rooms within a 200-mile radius of the city.

For help finding a hotel room, visit http://www.washington.org/inauguration or call 1-800-422-8644.

Many in the Washington area are still renting out their apartments through online ads. Sites like craigslist.org have hundreds of listings. Travel planners said this can be used as an alternative to hotels, but urge renters to use good judgment in rental agreements.

WHERE TO GO,
WHEN YOU GOTTA GO
Where can I find a bathroom on the Mall or parade route?

There are plans for 5,000 portable toilets to be brought in for Inauguration Day.

You can also check out Imodium’s Bathroom Finder online http://www.imodium.com/page.jhtml?idimodium/include/3_5.inc or buy the downloadable brochure “Where To Pee in DC: The Insider’s Guide on Where to Go” for sale on eBay for $3.75.

HAVE A BALL
Can I still get tickets to an inaugural ball?

There will be 10 official Inaugural balls attended by Obama that are organized by the Presidential Inaugural Committee. Tickets are available by invitation only. For more information, visit http://www.pic2009.org.

Many states and other organizations host balls as well, but have sold out of tickets.

For more information on balls and special events, visit http://www.washington.org/visiting/experience-dc/presidential-inauguration/balls-and-events

WATCH OUT FOR THE WEATHER
What’s the weather like in Washington in January?
January is Washington’s coldest month, with temperatures typically in the upper-30s. There’s always the possibility of rain and snow.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS OPEN
Will major tourist attractions be open?

Many will be, but with varying hours of operation. For a full list, visit http://www.washington.org/visiting/experience-dc/presidential-inauguration/information/inauguration-special-hours