Swearing In Ceremony Tickets

Information for Planning & Accessibility to the Presidential Inaugural Swearing In Ceremony
SOURCE:
Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, 2008-2009

TICKETS:
Every person wishing admittance to the Inaugural Ceremony, including children and personal assistants, must have a ticket. Individuals without valid tickets will not be admitted.

Tickets are color-coded to facilitate entrance to the ceremony. Entrance will be granted only at the gate indicated on your ticket. Ticket holders should use Metro.

WHEN TO ARRIVE:
Arrive early for required security screening and anticipate large crowds. Gates to the Inaugural Ceremony open at 9 a.m. and the musical prelude begins at 10 a.m. Be prepared to pass through several security screenings before reaching the section indicated on your ticket. There will be no check room for prohibited items.

Because of road closures and restricted access around the U.S. Capitol, ticket holders should use Metro.

ACCESSIBILITY:
All entrances to the ceremony are accessible. Signs will be posted in all areas to indicate:
-Designated accessible areas
-Sign language interpreter locations
-Restrooms.

"DROP OFF" LOCATIONS:
All areas around the Capitol will be restricted to vehicular access on January 20, 2009. If you need to drop-off someone, as close to the ceremony as possible, please follow the directions of the Capitol Police. There will be locations outside the perimeter of the Capitol that will be designated at a later date.

SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS, OPEN CAPTIONING:
Sign Language Interpreters will be located at designated positions within each ticketed section, with the exception of the Mall Standing Area. There will be jumbo-trons (large television screen) with open captioning positioned on the Capitol Plaza (blue, red, green, and yellow ticket holders) and within the Mall Standing Area.

INSIDE THE EVENT:
Movement will be difficult inside the security perimeter. Please be prepared to stay within the perimeter and within your ticketed section for the duration of the festivities.

WHAT TO WEAR:
There is no official dress code for the swearing-in ceremonies.

It is typically cold on Inauguration Day—normally 37°F—and often wet. Expect to be outside for more than three hours, to stand in line, and to walk for long periods of time. Dress in layers and wear a winter coat. Consider wearing comfortable shoes, gloves, a hat and a scarf, and bringing a blanket.

In the event of rain, umbrellas will not be permitted within the security perimeter. It is recommended that attendees bring ponchos or rain coats.

Extra consideration should be taken when planning to bring infants, young children, the elderly, or anyone with a weakened immune system.

WEATHER
The Swearing-in Ceremony is an outdoor event held on the West Front Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Inauguration day is typically cold—normally 37° F at noon—and occasionally wet.

Attendees should check the local weather forecast for Inauguration Day and plan accordingly. In the event of rain, umbrellas will not be permitted within the security perimeter. It is recommended that attendees bring ponchos or rain coats.

CHILDREN & THE ELDERLY:
There are no childcare facilities provided to attendees. Due to increased security and space constraints, strollers are not permitted on the Capitol grounds. Direct questions regarding the admittance of items required for child care to the U.S. Capitol Police at 202-512-1226.

Extra consideration should be taken when planning to bring infants, young children, the elderly, or anyone with a weakened immune system. A vast majority of attendees will be in standing room sections and should be prepared to be on their feet for several hours.

MEDICAL CONDITIONS & MEDICATIONS:
Emergency Medical Teams are on-hand in the event of any medical emergencies. For additional information about permitted items for medical purposes (e.g. insulin), contact the U.S. Capitol Police at 202-512-1226.

RESTROOMS:
Outdoor, portable restrooms are located throughout the U.S. Capitol grounds.

SECURITY:
All ticket holders are required to pass through security screening, including handbag inspection.

FOOD & DRINK:
Food, beverages, and other amenities are not available within the ceremony perimeter. Do not bring any food item larger than a small snack. Thermoses are prohibited.

CELL PHONES:
Cellular phones are permitted on the U.S. Capitol grounds. Turn phones off or set to vibrate before the program begins.

CAMERAS:
Cameras are permitted on the U.S. Capitol grounds. Tripods and camera bags, however, are prohibited.

TRAFFIC:
Large crowds are expected for the Swearing-in ceremonies, the Inaugural parade, and other festivities. Expect heavy traffic and road closings. Use the Metro.

PARKING:
No parking will be available on Capitol Hill. Public parking in Washington, D.C. will be extremely limited. If you are traveling by car from outside the city, park in a lot near a Metro station and take Metro into Washington. Expect heavy traffic and road closures.

PROHIBITED ITEMS:
Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:

Firearms and ammunition (either real or simulated)
Explosives of any kind (including fireworks)
Knives, blades, or sharp objects (of any length)
Mace and/or pepper spray
Sticks or poles
Pockets or hand tools, such as "Leatherman"
Packages
Backpacks
Large bags
Duffel bags
Suitcases
Thermoses
Coolers
Strollers
Umbrellas
Laser pointers
Signs
Posters
Animals (other than service animals)
Alcoholic beverages
Other items that may pose a threat to the security of the event as determined by and at the discretion of the security screeners.

RECORDED INFORMATION:
Recorded Voice Info Line: 202-228-4072

CONGRESSIONAL SPECIAL SERVICES:
Staff of the Congressional Special Services Office will be stationed at all designated accessible seating/standing areas to provide assistance. Designated seating and standing areas:

North Seating Area - Senate Side
South Seating Area - House Side
West Standing Area - Senate Side
West Standing Area - House Side
Staff can be reached Monday - Friday from 9 am to 4:30 pm at 202-224-4048 (voice) and 202-224-4049 (TTY).