Crapo: Swearing-In Ceremony Ticket Requests Being Taken

Washington, DC - The historic inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama has generated a lot of questions from Idahoans about attending inaugural events in Washington, DC, in January 2009. Therefore, Idaho Senator Mike Crapo has set up an informational page on his website to provide answers to many of those questions, along with a way for Idahoans to request tickets to the swearing-in ceremony via email. The page, http://crapo.senate.gov/services/Inauguration2009.cfm, contains details about the January 20, 2009, swearing-in ceremony, the Presidential Inaugural Parade, media credentials information, details about past Inaugural balls and other touring information. Links to the official Inaugural website and parade coordinators are also listed on the webpage.

"Interest from Idahoans has been high regarding the inauguration events planned for January of next year," Crapo said. "Since the election, my office has received dozens of requests for tickets and information, and the webpage has been designed to provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the events. Idahoans requesting tickets and information will be given priority over those from other states, and it is my intention to assist all those from Idaho who make the journey to Washington, DC, for President-elect Obama's swearing-in. I will also coordinate with the other Idaho delegation offices to make certain that we provide maximum service on this matter to Idahoans."

The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies has printed approximately 250,000 tickets to the January 20, 2009, swearing-in ceremony at the west front of the U.S. Capitol. The tickets are provided at no charge, and Idahoans should be wary of any organization offering to sell tickets to the swearing-in ceremony. The viewing area for the ceremony is large, extending from the Capitol down the National Mall, and tickets are not required for every section of the viewing area. It is expected that large video screens will be provided at the more distant sections of the viewing area. The Presidential Inaugural Committee, which has yet to be formed, handles all other aspects of the inaugurals, including the official parade and balls. Crapo's website will be updated with information regarding inaugural events as soon as they become available.