Inauguration Tickets

The joy of so many at the election of Senator Obama has resulted in over a thousand requests for tickets to the Inauguration.

Requests far exceed the tickets that will be available from any source.

If you don’t get a ticket, it will be possible to view the inauguration ceremony in other public space on the National Mall. I’ve been informed that there will be a number of giant television screens in several locations along the Mall to help accommodate the expected record-breaking crowds. We are being advised to urge folks not to bring young children. The weather, lack of rest rooms, food vendors and long waits are not the best conditions for little ones.

Also be careful about scams for the purchase of inauguration tickets. They are not for sale and are only available through the Inauguration Committee. I will have only a few close-in standing- room spaces, which will be allocated in early January. And, by “close in”, I mean two to four blocks from the podium!

Please click on inaugural.senate.gov for the latest information about scheduled activities during Inauguration Week. Also note, the Inaugural Balls and Galas are run by the Presidential Inaugural Committee, which has yet to be formed. I will not be granted any tickets for these events.

Please, please be sure you have arranged travel and hotel accommodations before coming to D.C., as reports indicate overbooking. If you do not now have travel and hotel reservations, I would urge you to celebrate at home and plan a trip later in 2009. There will be numerous events, chances to tour the White House, view Congress in action and we can help you plan your visit.

On the bright side, we now have a President-elect we’re excited about!

If you are from the 13th Congressional District of California, I'm happy to take down your names, email, address and number of tickets requested and will add you to the list. Because of the overwhelming demand, I can only add constituents to the list. Click here to make a request.