Washington, D.C. – Today, the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) announced additional details regarding the schedule of official public events for the Inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama.
In keeping with President-elect Obama and Vice President-elect Biden’s commitment to hold the most open and accessible inauguration in history, the schedule of official public events will allow more Americans than ever to come together in the spirit of unity and shared purpose.
The following events will take place in Washington, DC between Sunday, January 18 and Wednesday, January 21:
SUNDAY, JANUARY 18
We Are One: Opening Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial, between Constitution Avenue NW and Independence Avenue SW on 23rd Street
Doors open: 8:00 AM EST
Event begins: 2:30 PM EST
This event is free and open to the public.
Public gates open at 8:00 AM at the following locations:
– Public Entry A: Constitution Avenue at 19th Street
– Public Entry B: Constitution Avenue at Virginia Avenue
– Public Entry C: 17th Street at North Elm Walk
– Public Entry D: 17th Street at South Elm Walk
– Public Entry E: Independence Avenue at the DC War Memorial
The Reflecting Pool area, JFK Hockey Fields and Constitution Gardens are open to the public and space will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Restricted items for the Lincoln Memorial grounds for the Inaugural Opening Ceremonies:
– Firearms
– Ammunition
– Explosives
– Weapons of any kind
– Aerosols
– Supports for signs
– Packages
– Coolers
– Thermal or glass containers
– Backpacks
– Bags and signs exceeding the size restrictions of 6″X4″X8″
– Laser pointers
– Animals other than helper/guide dogs
– Structures
– Bicycles
– Any other items determined to be a potential safety hazard
MONDAY, JANUARY 19
Renew America Together: A Call to Service
On Monday, the President-elect, Vice President-elect, and their families – just like Americans in communities across the country – will participate in activities dedicated to serving others.
To find out more about “Renew America Together” or find a service event near you, please visit USAservice.org.
Community Service Day Lunch
This event is invitation only, and will be pooled press.
Please visit www.pic2009.org for updates.
Kids’ Inaugural: We Are The Future
The Verizon Center
Doors open: 5:00 PM EST
Event begins: 7:00 PM EST
Please visit www.pic2009.org for updates.
Bipartisan Dinners
Each of the three bipartisan dinners will honor an American whose lifetime of public service has been enhanced by a dedication to bipartisan achievement.
National Building Museum
Honoree: General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.)
Event begins: 5:00 PM EST
This event is invitation only, and will be pooled press.
Hilton Washington
Honoree: Senator John McCain
Event begins: 5:00 PM EST
This event is invitation only, and will be pooled press.
Union Station
Honoree: Vice President-elect Joe Biden
Event begins: 6:30 PM EST
This event is invitation only, and will be pooled press.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 20
The Swearing-In Ceremony
United States Capitol, West Front
Event begins: 11:30 AM EST
No tickets are required to view the Inaugural Ceremony on the National Mall west of 4th Street.
We anticipate large crowds. As such, we strongly encourage you to visit the official Presidential Inaugural Committee at www.pic2009.org for updates, directions and additional information regarding transportation and pedestrian routes. Text the word “open” to 56333 to receive official Inauguration news updates, transportation notices, and ways you can participate, whether they’re in Washington or in your own community.
Inaugural Luncheon
United States Capitol
Following the swearing-in ceremony, President Barack Obama, Vice President Joseph Biden, and members of their families will attend an inaugural luncheon hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.
This event is not open to the public. Please contact the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies at 202-244-2228 for more information.
Inaugural Parade
Pennsylvania Avenue
Event begins: While there is no official start time for the parade, it traditionally begins around 2:30 PM EST
The majority of the parade route will be free and open to the public for standing room access. Viewing spots along the parade route are available on a first come, first serve basis. A limited number of bleacher seats were available for sale but have sold out.
Official Inaugural Balls
A ticket is required for admission to each ball.
Neighborhood Inaugural Ball
Walter E. Washington Convention Center – Hall D
Doors open: 5:00 PM EST
Event begins: 7:00 PM EST
Event concludes: approximately 10:30 PM EST
President Obama Home States Ball
Walter E. Washington Convention Center – Hall E
Doors open: 5:00 PM EST
Event begins: 7:00 PM EST
Event concludes: approximately 11:30 PM EST
Commander-in-Chief’s Ball
National Building Museum
Doors open: 5:30 PM EST
Event begins: 7:00 PM EST
Event concludes: approximately 12:00 midnight
Vice President Biden Home States Ball
Walter E. Washington Convention Center – Ballroom
Doors open: 6:00 PM EST
Event begins: 8:00 PM EST
Event concludes: approximately 11:30 PM EST
Mid-Atlantic Ball
Walter E. Washington Convention Center – Hall A
Doors open: 6:00 PM EST
Event begins: 8:00 PM EST
Event concludes: approximately 12:30 AM EST
Midwestern Ball
Walter E. Washington Convention Center – Hall C
Doors open: 6:00 PM EST
Event begins: 8:00 PM EST
Event concludes: approximately 1:30 AM EST
Western Ball
Walter E. Washington Convention Center – Hall B
Doors open: 6:00 PM EST
Event begins: 8:00 PM EST
Event concludes: approximately 1:00 AM EST
Youth Ball
Hilton Washington
Doors open: 7:00 PM EST
Event begins: 9:00 PM EST
Event concludes: approximately 2:30 AM EST
Eastern Ball
Union Station
Doors open: 8:00 PM EST
Event begins: 10:00 PM EST
Event concludes: approximately 2:30 AM EST
Southern Ball
DC Armory
Doors open: 8:00 PM EST
Event begins: 10:00 PM EST
Event concludes: approximately 2:00 AM EST
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21
National Prayer Service
Washington National Cathedral
The morning after the inauguration, a National Prayer Service with President Barack Obama, Vice President Joseph Biden, and members of their families will be held at the National Cathedral. The service will bring together dignitaries and Americans of diverse faiths to celebrate the previous day’s events through prayer, readings, and musical performances.
Doors Open: 7:30 AM EST
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