Inauguration (for sale, to buy, school)

[delg23]

I was curious if the inauguration is open to the public, or if only the parade is open to the public. I know you need to request tickets from your represenative for the inaugeration, but can you still go if you don't get tickets? Do they block off streets to foot traffic or just automobiles?

[compton610]

Um well first off foot traffic will be very limited. Most if not all stores, goverment, public buildings will be closed to the public. All motor traffic will be non-existent metro will run during very early before the event and well after. I think but I'm sure but if DO NOT have a ticket you WILL NOT be allowed anywhere near the area. Expect to be in lines for security so get there early. Do not bring anything you aren't willing to ever see again think airport if the airport is area 51. I work right next to the capitol in a gov. building and I'm not going down there, but if you really want to be there I would suggest getting tickets.

[irisheyes13]

I heard something on the radio earlier today about folks already offerein tickets for sale and it said to be VERY careful.... good chance they are not ligit...

[xavierob82]

I plan to take off work that day and take the Metro downtown. I'm sure the parade route won't require a ticket. It's going to be crazy insane on Jan 20th.

[coolyfett]

I hope security does its job, Its way too important this time.

[delg23]

thanks!

[talktobrent]

Apparently there was a successful lawsuit by protest groups after the last Bush inauguration, and as a result, there will be much more open-public space along the parade route (you probably have to line up and go through a metal detector before you get close). I think people are getting confused and think they need a ticket just to watch the parade. I believe you only need a ticket for the special "vip" bleachers in certain areas.

[PenguinSix]

You don't need a ticket to get to the parade, but you need to get there pretty much in the early hours of the morning to get anywhere close to the street edge. For Bush, Sr. I remember the 'public' areas were about 10 people deep, and this one will be even worse. If you get a chance to buy a parade route ticket--jump on it (that is, of course, if you want to see the parade).

Personally, the parade is not one of my favorite bits. Security will keep them in the car and I don't really care about bands and whatnot. It's also cold as heck.

[GEORGIAINMT]

I'm going as a part of a school tour group and we do get to go to the Inauguration without tickets. Tickets are for those cordoned off areas near the front. Public area is down the mall. We have to pass through several security checks to get to the public viewing area. We have all the rules of what you can & can't bring with you. After the Inaug. we will be transported to the parade route. The only tickets for the parade that are legit are bleacher seating tickets. They are outrageously expensive!!!! There are no legit ticket sales for the Inaug. itself. You either get the free ones from your state folks, or you go to the public area as we are.