Besides the partying will it even be worth it to come to DC for inauguration?

December 30, 2008 Inauguration organizers describe day-long endurance test Posted: 09:55 AM ET
From CNN Associate Political Editor Rebecca Sinderbrand
Preparations are non-stop for the January 20 event.

(CNN) — There are still a host of question marks around next month’s inauguration festivities, but one thing is undeniable: the day may be geared less to your average middle schooler, and more to a field-tested U.S. Marine.

In the latest blunt advisory released Monday, the presidential inaugural committee said ticket-holders for President-elect Barack Obama’s swearing-in ceremony will need to arrive no fewer than three hours before the outdoor ceremony’s scheduled 11:30 a.m. start time.

But getting there in the first place poses a logistical challenge that’s not for the faint of heart or limb. Despite a new plan to turn big sections of the city into parking lots for charter buses and a peak rush hour schedule plan for the city’s Metro system, most cars and buses are unlikely to be allowed to enter the city, let alone the designated two-mile security zone around the swearing-in site.

 

Metro officials warn that riders will be underground with “thousands" of fellow visitors – meaning that even those lucky enough to make it onto the platform will face lengthy wait times before they see the inside of a packed train car.

Attendees forced to abandon their cars for mass transit might want to start a Stairmaster schedule now: transportation officials have warned that capacity crowds may force them to turn off the system’s escalators – making the trip back above ground an ambitious workout.

If all the dire predictions are tempting visitors to swear off transportation altogether in favor of an old-fashioned hike – well, that’s sort of the point. Officials are advising everyone within two miles of the Capitol – and those from further points who are up for the trek — to walk to the site.

Of course, not everyone is in any condition for a miles-long slog through East Coast January weather. But organizers warned Monday that “traffic conditions and restrictions" may make reaching drop-off points for disabled guests “extremely difficult."

“There will be designated areas for people with disabilities in each of the ticketed seating areas on the Capitol grounds, however these areas are limited in size and available on a first-come first-served basis," read the advisory. “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)."

Those worried about how their child may handle the hike might want to leave them behind: strollers are unwelcome altogether. And everyone might want to cross their fingers for a dry day — umbrellas are verboten too.

If you’ve overestimated your own toughness, don’t count on being able to call for help: “Be aware that it may be difficult to talk" because of an overloaded communication system. “Please use text messaging to send critical messages."

Worried about your ability to handle the day-long endurance test? So’s the inaugural committee. “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," they said.

Officials have said they expect 1-2 million visitors to travel to the National Mall on Inauguration Day.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/12/30/inauguration -organizers-describe-day-long-endurance-test/#more-33780

This is why I said I won't be going to the inaguration. Unless you plan on leaving tonight and getting out there you might be better off at home watching this. I know it is going to be a big to do but all those folks and todays security is going to be a big mess!!! In the words of my Kanye............

I'M GOOOODDDDDDDDDDD

at home or hell even work!

I have sold my promised ticket (for a healthy profit) I will be watching from home.  I know you don't deal w/ it but it is hell to get from DC to VA via metro after the fireworks at the Mall on July 4th....with the added people I can't even imagine so I won't be doing it. 

My friends tried to hoodwink into paying for a 1000 dolla a night hotel suite.... NOTTTTTTTTTTTTT

I am cool watchin' that shiot on TV 

DAYUM!  y'all got me rethinking this MADNESS

Hey Shani,

They didn't have to write this long article for me to know one thing...I ain't steppin' foot in D****il FEBRUARY 19 OR 20TH BABY!!

And that's for real!!

DD

Hey sis...yeah...I've been rethinking this myself...and will be home watching it on television with some family and friends.  I had planned on coming to my job watching it, but that's not happening as I won't be able to get near my bldg with all the road closures.

I will be there! ~shell

I'll be there to we ordered our MARC train ticket already I will be leaving Baltimore at 5:30am sounds early but I'm sure people will already be there the night before to get a good spot.  It is going to be a grooling day.  I went to Clinton's 1st swearing in and there were a lot of peole there and I know this will  be nothing in comparison to Obama's on the 20th.  I know it will be a nightmare but I ;just want to be there in person.

I went to the million man march there were a lot of people there then and the crowd, trains and people were everywhere but I think this is oning to be double that .  This is going to be a looooooooog ass whipping day.  Bu****ching it on TV is not enough for me.  But I am getting cold feet soooo we'l  see when the alrm rings at 4am on the 20th :)  The determining factor for me will be the weather.

The biggest problem next to the crowds are going to be where to go to the bathroom! Spot-a-Pots are [robably going to be miles apart and I hate those things.

The prospects of getting down there are lookin real leary......and I live in DC. Since I live in the city I'll be catchin the train after it comes from the suburbs, shoot they might be packed by the time they get to me.

It would be nice to always remember being down there!