Tickets

Tickets to the swearing-in ceremony are free, but you need to contact your Congressional representative or U.S. Senator to request them.

Each person must have a ticket, including personal assistants. 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. Individuals without valid tickets will not be admitted.

Tickets are color-coded to facilitate entrance to the ceremony. Entrance will be granted only at the gate indicated on your ticket. Expect heavy traffic, delays, and significant road closures.

Inside the Event

Staff of the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services will be stationed at all designated accessible seating/standing areas to provide assistance.Ê Designated seating and standing areas:
* North Seating Area - Senate Side
* South Seating Area - House Side
* West Standing Area - Senate Side
* West Standing Area - House Side

Movement will be difficult inside the security perimeter.Ê Please be prepared to stay within the perimeter and within your ticketed section for the duration of the festivities.

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).

What to Wear

There is no official dress code for the swearing-in ceremonies.
It is typically cold on Inauguration Day normally 37F and often wet. Expect to be outside for more than three hours, to stand in line, and to walk for long periods of time. Dress in layers and wear a winter coat. Consider wearing comfortable shoes, gloves, a hat and a scarf, and bringing a blanket.
In the event of rain, umbrellas will not be permitted within the security perimeter. It is recommended that attendees bring ponchos or rain coats.
Extra consideration should be taken when planning to bring infants, young children, the elderly, or anyone with a weakened immune system.

 

Weather

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 occasionally wet.

Extra consideration should be taken when planning to bring infants, young children, the elderly, or anyone with a weakened immune system. A vast majority of attendees will be in standing room sections and should be prepared to be on their feet for several hours.

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.

Discover more about Inauguration Day weather at the National Weather Service's Presidential Inaugural Weather website.

 

Children

There are no childcare facilities provided to 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 202-512-1226.

The Swearing-in Ceremony is a outdoor event held on the West Front Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Inauguration day is typically coldÑnormally 37¡ F at noon and occasionally wet.

Extra consideration should be taken when planning to bring infants, young children, the elderly, or anyone with a weakened immune system. A vast majority of attendees will be in standing room sections and should be prepared to be on their feet for several hours.

 

Elderly

The Swearing-in Ceremony is an outdoor event held on the West Front Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Inauguration day is typically coldÑnormally 37¡ F at noon and occasionally wet.

Extra consideration should be taken when planning to bring infants, young children, the elderly, or anyone with a weakened immune system.

A vast majority of attendees will be in standing room sections and should be prepared to be on their feet for several hours.

Medical Conditions and Medications

Emergency Medical Teams are on-hand in the event of any medical emergencies.Ê Bring with you any medications that you need because there will be very long delays in getting to and from events.

For additional information about permitted items for medical purposes (e.g. insulin), contact the U.S. Capitol Police at 202-512-1226.

 

Restrooms

Outdoor, portable restrooms are located throughout the U.S. Capitol grounds.

 

Security

All ticket holders are required to pass through security screening, including handbag inspection.

Food and Drink

Food, beverages, and other amenities are not available within the ceremony perimeter. Do not bring any food item larger than a small snack. Thermoses are prohibited.

Cell Phones & Cellular Service

Cellular phones are permitted on the U.S. Capitol grounds. Turn phones off or set to vibrate before the program begins.
Be aware that it may be difficult to talk or send pictures from your cell phone, according to wireless companies. Please use text messaging to send critical messages.

Cameras

Cameras are permitted on the U.S. Capitol grounds. Tripods and camera bags, however, are prohibited.

 

Traffic

Large crowds are expected for the Swearing-in ceremonies, the Inaugural parade, and other festivities. Expect heavy traffic and road closings. Expect heavy traffic, delays, and significant road closures.

Parking, Metro, and other Transportation
No parking will be available on Capitol Hill.
Public parking in Washington, D.C. will be extremely limited.

Prohibited Items

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:
*Firearms and ammunition (either real or simulated)
* Explosives of any kind (including fireworks)
* Knives, blades, or sharp objects (of any length)
* Mace and/or pepper spray
* Sticks or poles
* Pocket or hand tools, such as ÒLeathermanÓ
* Packages
* Backpacks
* Large bags
* Duffel bags
* Suitcases
* Thermoses
* Coolers
* Strollers
* Umbrellas
* Laser pointers
* Signs
* Posters
* Animals (other than service animals)
* Alcoholic beverages
* Other items that may pose a threat to the security of the event as determined by and at the discretion of the security screeners
Mobility Aids such as canes, including those with a fold-down seat, walkers, wheelchairs, and scooters are allowed.