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Final Alert From Congressional Inaugural Committee

January 19, 2009

WASHINGTON (RushPRnews) 01/19/09--With fewer than 30 hours to go before the 56th presidential inaugural, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) is reminding people with tickets to the Inaugural Swearing-in ceremonies to be sure they have all the information they need before Inauguration Day. Take a look now at JCCIC’s latest advisory to get the latest information about tickets, transportation, timing, accessibility, and security. We’ve also included it in its entirely below.
Please note that this information primarily concerns ticket holders at the swearing-in.  Most attendees are not ticketed.  For complete information about viewing the swearing-in ceremony from the National Mall (the entirety of which will be open) take a look at our official schedule page.

Timing

Security checkpoints will open for ticketed guests at 8:00 AM—one hour earlier than is stated on the ticket. Guests should arrive early to ensure that they are through the checkpoints by the time the program begins.  Screening will end when the program begins at 11:30 AM and late arrivals will not be able to enter the grounds.

Getting to the Swearing-In

Plan ahead, but be sure to double-check those plans before heading out on the 20th in case there are important changes to transportation schedules, street and other closures.  Be sure to have a back-up plan in case your original travel plans need to be changed at the last minute.

It is important for ticket holders to check the map they received with their tickets to know which side of the National Mall they need to be on in order to reach the entry point designated for their particular section.  It won’t be possible to cross the National Mall near the U.S. Capitol, except through the 3rd Street Tunnel.

The District of Columbia’s inaugural website has the most up-to-date information on road closures and other travel alerts.  We recommend that guests bookmark the site, http://inauguration.dc.gov/getting_there.asp and check it frequently for changing information.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has up to date information about their METRO and bus service on their special inaugural page, for those guests planning to utilize public transportation.  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. http://www.wmata.com/getting_around/metro_events/inauguration.cfm?nocache.

Other options for getting to the Capitol include walking or riding a bike to one of the bicycle valet stations.  For those people who will be staying within 2 Miles of the U.S. Capitol, walking to the swearing-in ceremony will be the most reliable method of reaching the ticketed seated and standing areas. Walking routes will also be impacted by street closures – be sure to make a plan based on up to date information http://inauguration.dc.gov/getting_there.asp.



The Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) will operate two bike valet stations outside the security perimeter near the swearing-in ceremonies and parade route. Bicycles will be prohibited within the security perimeter on January 20, 2009, WABA has information and planning tools on their website: http://www.waba.org/events/inauguralbikevalet.php.

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.

Accessibility

The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies and the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services are working to ensure that the 2009 Inaugural ceremonies are as accessible as possible.  The JCCIC Website has information for persons with disabilities to help them plan their day, http://inaugural.senate.gov/2009/accessibility.cfm.

Weather

As of today, the forecast for Tuesday January 20th looks cold and cloudy.  Guests should be sure to keep checking weather forecasts and dress appropriately in layers, with warm shoes and socks.  Rain gear is always advisable because umbrellas will not be permitted in the ticketed areas.

Security

Everyone coming to the Capitol Grounds will pass through security screening.

To speed processing, guests should be sure not to bring prohibited items, which 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, laser pointers, signs, posters, animals (other than service animals), alcoholic beverages, umbrellas, and other items that may pose a threat to the security of the event as determined by and at the discretion of the security screeners

Other Important Reminders

There are no warming tents or childcare facilities on Capitol Grounds.  People should think carefully about bringing infants and small children.

Guests who take medications should bring them with them in case of very long delays in getting to and from events.

Be aware that it may be difficult to talk or send pictures from your cell phone, according to wireless companies.  Please use text messaging to send critical messages

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