[Editor’s note: This graphic in today’s Washington Post shows those lucky few with an inauguration ticket how to get to their seat in front of the U.S. Capitol Building next Tuesday. Tickets are required for the swearing-in ceremony at the Capitol. Entrance will be granted only at the screening gate indicated by the color-coded ticket. Map shows Screening Point (Metro Access ); Ticket Gate; and Entry Routes.]
Republished from The Washington Post.
Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009. Related blog post here.
I have a related post on the parade route, general seating, and vendors.
Only 240,000 people will have access to the ticketed and seating areas closest to the Capitol to watch the inauguration ceremony. Here’s a look at the ticket design and where ticket holders should go Jan. 20, 2009.
Click image for larger view.
You Should Know:
Orange, Blue and Silver Ticket Holders
Ticket holders in any of the south sections (orange and blue) or the Mall standing areas (silver) should enter through gates on the south side of the Capitol grounds. Due to the closures of Pennsylvania Avenue for the parade, those coming from the north can access the south side of the Capitol grounds in one of several ways:
From the east or northeast: Go around the Capitol to the east using 2nd Street NE/SE (or streets farther east) to reach C Street SE and walk west to the blue, orange or silver gates.
From the north or northwest: Use the 3rd Street tunnel, entrance at 3rd and D streets NW near the Labor Department, to cross under Pennsylvania Avenue and the Mall. One side of the tunnel will be closed for pedestrian use. This is the only way to cross the Mall near the Capitol.
If you have a Silver ticket, because of changes since tickets were printed, the only access point is at Independence Avenue and 3rd Street SW.
Yellow and Purple Tickets
Ticket holders in the north sections (yellow and purple tickets) should enter on the north side of the Capitol grounds. Guests must follow routes that do not require crossing Pennsylvania Avenue.
From the south or southwest: Use the 3rd Street tunnel to cross under the Mall and Pennsylvania Avenue. One side of the tunnel will be closed for pedestrian use; this is the only way to cross the Mall near the Capitol. Or, walk around the Capitol to the east using 2nd Street SE/NE (or streets farther east) to reach the north side of the Capitol grounds.
Metro riders should be aware that trains might not be able to stop at stations that are deemed to be overcrowded for safety reasons. If this happens, get off at the next possible stop and walk back toward your designated station.
*In case of overcrowding, alternative stops include L’Enfant Plaza to the west and Eastern Market to the east.
SOURCE: Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies
BY APRIL UMMINGER AND MARY KATE CANNISTRA — THE WASHINGTON POST
