From the Congressional Inaugural Committee which must be made up of members who don't want anyone to come to Washington January 20.
An Inaugural Advisory Special Alert, similar to a winter storm watch, only worse.
While the actual swearing-in will take place shortly before noon, the
formal program begins at 11:30 AM and the musical prelude and seating
will begin much earlier. Security checkpoints will open for ticketed
guests at 8:00 AM, and the committee advises arriving no later than
9:00 AM to ensure that you 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.
The weather in
Washington in January is usually quite cold and often rainy or snowy.
Please think carefully about whether you can stand outside in cold
weather in a large crowd for up to six hours, and whether you are ready
for long delays getting home afterwards.
Regardless of the weather conditions, umbrellas will not be permitted in the ticketed areas.
D.C.’s subway system
will be running “rush-hour” service all day, but is expecting
“crush-level” crowds. Be prepared to wait for space on a train for long
periods of time, during which you will have to stand in close proximity
to several thousand people. Many Metro escalators will be closed due to
crowding and individuals will need to climb Metro stairs or wait to
utilize the small number of elevators at Metro stations.
Persons in
wheelchairs or utilizing walkers should be aware that they will need to
move across bumpy surfaces, grassy areas, and possible icy areas
(depending on the weather).
Sound tempting? They forget to mention the porta potty situation. Not a pleasant thought.
