Seven Survival Tips for Inauguration Day 2009

Patience and Planning Needed to Attend Barack Obama's Swearing-In

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Nov 22, 2008 Bob Kemper

Planning to attend the historic inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama, America's first black president? So are hundreds of thousands of others. Plan carefully.

President-elect Barack Obama’s historic inauguration on Jan. 20, 2009, is expected to draw record crowds to Washington, D.C.

With hundreds of thousands of people arriving on the same day, getting around the city and to the public events like the swearing-in ceremony on the west side of the Capitol or the parade route along Pennsylvania Avenue will take patience and planning.

Getting Up-to-Date Information

Destination DC, the capital city’s visitors’ service, has set up a special website to help keep visitors informed. Check it regularly for updates, planning for such a historic event is likely to change as Inauguration Day nears.

A congressional inaugural website also provides helpful information.

Seven basic survival tips for Inauguration Day 2009:

  1. Getting a hotel. Rooms were still available as of Thanksgiving, but expect to pay for a four- or five-night minimum stay at most hotels. Those seeking one or more rooms should contact Destination DC, the capital city’s visitor service, for help at 1-800-422-8644.
  2. Hotel alternatives. Thousand of District of Columbia residents are expected to offer their homes for rent during inauguration week. Mayor Adrian Fenty issued an executive order that for the first time allows residents to do so without a business license between Jan. 13 and Jan. 27, 2009. City officials cautioned would-be renter to be as specific in the rental agreement about price, security deposits, length of stay and the condition of the rental.
  3. Always allow plenty of time. Routes to the inaugural ceremony or the parade will be crowded and tight security could cause further delays.
  4. Dress warmly. All public events on Inauguration Day will be outside and temperatures at the last three inaugurals were barely above freezing. The average high in January in Washington is 40 degrees. The average low is 30 degrees. Remember, you can always take the parka off in the unlikely event that it gets too warm.
  5. Wear Sensible Shoes. No one will be able to just pull their car up to the curb at the public Inauguration Day events. There will be a lot of walking and standing at both the swearing-in ceremony along the parade route.
  6. Use Public Transportation. Driving around Washington, D.C., can be difficult and confusing on the city’s best days. With street closings all around the downtown, it could be irritable at best. Metrorail announced a preliminary schedule to operate rush hour service from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will stay open under regular service until 2 a.m. Some stations will be completely or partially closed for security reasons. Day passes can be bought in advance from WMTA.
  7. Parking. And empty parking space is a rare gem on event days in Washington, D.C. Taking the Metro train could save on aggravation. Metrorail will provide free parking at its stations outside the city for those taking the subway downtown. Spaces are limited.

Parents who play to take children to Obama's inauguration can find specific help here.

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The copyright of the article Seven Survival Tips for Inauguration Day 2009 in American Affairs is owned by Bob Kemper. Permission to republish Seven Survival Tips for Inauguration Day 2009 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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