Tickets to the Swearing-In Ceremony
‘A New Birth
of Freedom’
“A New Birth of Freedom” commemorates the 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth and expresses Lincoln’s hope that the sacrifice of those who died to preserve the nation shall lead to “a new birth of freedom” for our it.
Tickets
Tickets to the Swearing-In Ceremony are distributed by both Senators and Representatives elected to the 111th Congress.
Parade
Requests to participate in Inauguration day events for marching bands, marching units, mounted units, and other performers are collected by the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee.
Balls
The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) is responsible for all balls hosted in honor of the newly-elected President.
Tickets
Every person wishing admittance to the Inaugural Ceremony, including children, 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.Security
All ticket holders are required to pass through security screening, including handbag inspection.
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.
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