Tickets to the 56th Inaugural Ceremonies will be provided free of charge and distributed through Members of the 111th Congress. The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies does not provide tickets to the public. Members of the public interested in attending the Inaugural Ceremonies should contact their Member of Congress or U.S. Senators to request tickets.
The public should also be aware that no website or other ticket outlet actually has inaugural swearing-in tickets to sell, regardless of what they may claim. Tickets will not be distributed to Congressional offices until the week before the inauguration and will require in-person pick-up.If you are traveling by train in and out of Washington, D.C., on Jan. 20, 2009, make sure you check Amtraks website for a list of news, tips and ticket policies specific to Inauguration Day.
Obama inauguration tickets fetching 5 figures online -
The government has printed 250,000 tickets so far for Barack Obama's presidential inauguration on January 20.
Entry to the biggest event in Washington is free if your congressman or senator grants your request, but with demand outpacing supply a traditional giveaway has turned into a thriving online marketplace.Legitimate ticket brokers -- the same companies that peddle tickets to rock concerts and NASCAR races -- are selling tickets to the swearing-in of Barack Obama for thousands of dollars, even for standing-room areas on the National Mall.
Organizers of the inauguration say it violates the spirit of the event and could spell disappointment for people who buy tickets for the January 20 ceremony.
"We think it's absolutely insane to be selling those tickets. We understand some people want to make a buck, but for those people thinking of buying tickets, it's buyer beware," warned Howard Gantman, staff director of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. 
Ticket brokers act as middlemen, selling inaugural tickets they say they purchase from Capitol Hill employees and people who get them from members of Congress.
Since the government releases tickets at the last minute -- less than a week before the inauguration -- ticket brokers cannot ensure they will receive enough tickets to cover their orders.
Web sites promise a full refund if tickets are not secured to buyers, but that offer may be little consolation to people who invest in a trip to Washington to see the inauguration.
Since tickets do not have attendees' names on them, Gantman said it's inevitable some will be sold.
"Some will be distributed this way. It happens with baseball games and concerts. But we are going to take every step we can to make sure these tickets get into the hands of those who themselves intend to attend this event."
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the chairwoman of the inauguration committee, said Monday she she was prepared to ask Congress to make it a crime to scalp inauguration tickets.
"We have heard reports that there are people trying to scalp Inaugural tickets for more than $40,000 each. This is unconscionable and must not be allowed," Feinstein said in a statement.
The inaugural committee is alerting lawmakers that it is a violation of Congress' code of ethics for members or staff to sell their tickets.
Swearing In Ceremony Information
Inside the Event
Movement will be difficult inside the security perimeter. Please be prepared to stay within the designated perimeter and within your ticketed section for the duration of the inaugural festivities.
What to Wear to the Swearing In Ceremony
There is no official dress code for the swearing-in ceremonies.
It is typically very cold on Inauguration Day in Washington, D.C., normally 37°F and often wet. Expect to be outside for more than three hours, to stand in line, and to walk for long periods of time. Wear a winter coat; consider wearing comfortable shoes, gloves, a hat and a scarf, and bringing a blanket. Extra consideration should be taken when planning to bring infants, young children, the elderly, or anyone with a weakened immune system.
The Swearing-In ceremony is an outdoor event held on the West Front lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Inauguration day is typically cold, normally 37° F at noon and occassionally wet. Extra consideration should be taken when planning to bring infants, young children, the elderly, or anyone with a weakened immune system.
Inauguration attendees should check the local weather forecast for Inauguration Day and plan accordingly. In the event of rain, umbrellas will not be permitted within the security perimeter. It is recommended that attendees bring ponchos, or rain coats.
ChildrenThere are no child care facilities provided to inauguration attendees. Due to increased security and space constraints strollers are not permitted on the Capitol grounds. Direct questions regarding the admittance of items required for child care to the U.S. Capitol Police at 202-228-3555.
The Swearing-In ceremony is an outdoor event held on the West Front lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Inauguration day is typically cold, normally 37° F at noon and occassionally wet. Extra consideration should be taken when planning to bring infants, young children, the elderly, or anyone with a weakened immune system.
ElderlyThe Swearing-In ceremony is an outdoor event held on the West Front lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Inauguration day is typically cold, normally 37° F at noon and occassionally wet. Extra consideration should be taken when planning to bring infants, young children, the elderly, or anyone with a weakened immune system.
Medical ConditionsEmergency Medical Teams are on hand in the event of any medical emergencies. For additional information about permitted items for medical purposes (i.e. insulin), please contact the U.S. Capitol Police at 202-228-3555.
RestroomsOutdoor, portable restrooms are located throughout the Capitol grounds.
SecurityAll ticket holders are required to pass through security screening, including handbag inspection.
Food and DrinkFood, beverages, and other amenities are not available within the ceremony perimeter. Do not bring any food item larger than a small snack. Thermoses are amoung the list of prohibited items.
Cell PhonesCellular Phones are permitted on the Capitol Grounds. Turn off phones or set to vibrate before the program begins.
CamerasCameras are permitted on the Capitol Grounds, however, tripods and camera bags are prohibited items.
TrafficLarge crowds are expected for the Inaugural Swearing-In Ceremonies, the Inaugural Parade, and other festivities. Expect heavy traffic and road closings. Use the Metro if possible.
ParkingPublic parking in Washington will be extremely limited. If you are traveling by car from outside the city, park in a lot near a Metro station and take the Metro into Washington. Expect heavy traffic and road closures.
Prohibited ItemsItems prohibited from the Inaugural events include, but are not limited to:
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