The DC Traveler

The Inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2009, is not only a major historic event, but is expected to record crowds and a huge global television audience. 

To ensure the event comes off with out a hitch, the inauguration event needs to have a dry run or two.  And the inaugural rehearsal is planned for the early morning of Sunday, January 11th.

It’s been reported that two inauguration run-throughs will occur, with stand-ins acting as the President-elect Obama and Vice President-elect Biden.  The first run through is expected to start around 5:30 in the morning, with a few starts and stops to get the timing and all the inaugural elements correct. The second rehearsal will run non-stop, and is expected to conclude by around 9:00 a.m.

The military bands, led by the U.S. Army Field Band and the U.S. Marine Band.will play “Hail to the Chief”, and other traditional inauguration music.

So if you want to get a feel for the inauguration, without the crowds, check out the Presidential Inauguration rehearsal.

Presidential Inauguration Rehearsal
Front steps of the U.S. Capitol Building
1st Street between Independence and Constitution Avenues.
Washington, DC (map it)

Dates and Times - Sunday, January 11, 2009, 5:30 - 9:00 a.m.

Tickets - None needed and most area are expected to be open to the public.

Nearest Metro Subway Station -Federal Center SW - Blue and Orange lines, then a 3-block walk.

Parking - Street parking is available. _________________________________________________