If half a million people show up, the infrastructure should be okay, except for major issues such as transportation and dining near the mall.  But if a couple million people converge on the Mall, the infrastructure, along with the food service industries will be pushed to their limits.

So here’s a few of the potential “disasters” that might occur due to massive crowds attending the inauguration celebration, and my estimation of how likely it will happen.

1. Multiple hour waits to get on Metro trains leaving the National Mall — With crowds expected to run at least five times more than a typical July Fourth event, it’s likely that Metro will be overwhelmed, even with 15 hours of consecutive rush-hour scheduling. Likelihood – very high.
2. Mobile phone service will cease — Due to overwhelmed cell towers around the Mall, especially during the hours just before and after the ceremony, the cellular carriers will likely not be able to handle all of the call traffic.  Considering at times all over the Washington, DC area, especially during rush hour, it can be sometimes tough getting a call through, so don’t expect to place a call phone call on the first attempt 3 minutes before Obama takes his oath.  Likelihood – medium/high.
3. Chartered busses might not find parking – With upwards of 10,000 chartered busses potentially bringing people to the inauguration, where are they all to park? So far, potential places include Wolf Trap, JFK Stadium, Hanes Point, and more so parking should not be an issue. Likelihood – low.
4. Getting people from chartered busses at remote parking areas to the National Mall — Getting upwards of a half a million people to the Mall and then back again quickly will be an issue. So see #1. Likelihood – high.
5. Grocery stores will run out of staples – With a million-plus people who are not staying in hotels looking for items such as as bread and milk, grocers may run out quickly.  While the hint of a snowfall in the area causes some people to rush out and hoard 200 rolls of toilet paper and 40 gallons of milk, I doubt that retailers will miss the opportunity to stock up and make big bucks form our out of town visitors. Likelihood – very low.
6. Parking at Metro rail station will not accommodate all the cars — With only 60,000 parking spaces spread out over 42 stations, if you don’t get to the Metro very, VERY early, chances are you won’t get a parking spot. Again, see #1. Likelihood – very high.
7. Getting a meal on the Mall will require an act of Congress — You should be able to find plenty of hot dog vendors around the Mall on inauguration day. But if you want to wait out the exit rush after the ceremony, at a restaurant anywhere near the Mall, expect a multi-hour wait. Likelihood – high.
8. Restroom facilities will be tough to find – DC does a great job at having enough porta-potties at most major events in the Mall, so this shouldn’t be an issue. Likelihood – low.
9. Finding a taxi to get to or from the Mall – With all the expected street closures, security checkpoints, rerouted traffic patterns, and the massive crowds all heading to the same place, finding a cab (or for that matter, a cabbie willing to bring his cab anywhere near the expected gridlock on Mall that day) is unlikely. Likelihood – medium.
10. People will simply grin and bear it — In the crowd that descends on Washington, DC, there will be some complainers who expect a seat on the Metro train, a table at a restaurant just blocks from the Capitol, parking garages to have open spots an hour before the inauguration ceremony and no hassles getting to and from the Mall.  But I hope people will just expect the worst and smile when things go well.  Likelihood – high.

So what do you think?  Will Washington, DC handle the crowds or will it be a tourism nightmare?  Make a comment below.

Image – Flickr – 2005 inauguration

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Post from: The DC Traveler

Nine cities, nine city-themed rooms, and a couple thousand people celebrating New Year’s Eve in Washington, DC.

City themes include music and food representing:

• New York City – hip and trends DJs keep the vibe live, and enjoy one of the local food items, Manhattan Clam Chowder.
• Chicago in the Roaring 1920s – No Prohibition here, with a fun swing band and of course pizza.
• Miami and Havana – a live Salsa band and a Cuban menu fills this room.
• Spirit of the Caribbean delivers the island feel with Reggae and Calypso.
• Boston boasts a live Irish band and New England Clam Chowder.
• Become a star at the Los Angeles Karaoke stage and enjoy Asian themed consumables.
• Spirit of the Caribbean delivers the island feel with Reggae and Calypso.
• Viva Las Vegas at a casino-themed room with mock casino and a hotel style buffet.
• Move south to Big D, Dallas and enjoy some good old Texas BBQ and Texas Hold ‘Em.
• Stop by paradise in the Maui-themed room,  and enjoy the live Polynesian band and a roasted whole Hawaiian Luau pig.

Promo Video

New Year’s Eve Salute to America Gala
Marriott Wardman Park Hotel
2660 Woodley Road, NW
Washington, DC (map it)

Dates and Times – Wednesday, December 31, 2008, 9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.

Tickets – $174.00 and are available online, but prices go up as the date gets closer.

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Woodley Park, Red line, then a 3-block walk.

Parking – Paid hotel parking is available, but may fill up.
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Post from: The DC Traveler

If you are not inside the security perimeter, these rules will most likely not apply.

Note that strollers and chairs are on the list, so ATTENTION PARENTS with small children and people who may need to sit during the long wait.

Prohibited items at President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration include, but are not limited to:

• Strollers
• Chairs
• Backpacks, large bags, duffel bags, suitcases
• Thermoses or coolers
• Signs or posters
• Firearms, ammo, explosives, fireworks, knives, blades, mace, pepper spray, or any other weapon or sharp objects (of any length)
• Umbrellas
• Laser pointers
• Animals (other than service animals)
• Alcoholic beverages
• Other items that may pose a security threat

So it looks as if people lucky enough to get inauguration tickets will be required to stand, leave small children at home or carry them, and only pack a small bag.

This list might actually lesson the number of people who attend the inauguration.  And as always, this list is subject to change.

The West Lawn of the Capitol grounds will open at 8:00 a.m.. with the event starting around 11:30 a.m. 

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Post from: The DC Traveler

Images – from personal collection   ©2008, Jon Rochetti 
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Post from: The DC Traveler

I’ve seem estimates ranging from about a million to over 5 million.

So what do you think?  Take the latest poll and tell us…

How many people will attend the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama in Washington, DC on January 20, 2009?

• Less than 500,000
• 500,000 to 1 million
• 1 to 2 million
• 2 to 3 million
• 3 to 4 million
• 4 to 5 million
• over 5 million

For some historical references:

• In 1965, the inauguration of Lyndon B. Johnson, drew the largest inaugural crowd, estimated at 1.2 million.
• In 2005, for the inauguration of President George W. Bush’s second term, crowds were estimated at 400,000, a hundred thousand more than his first inauguration in 2001.

• Approximately 250,000 gathered at the U.S. Capitol for Bill Clinton’s second term inauguration, a significantly smaller number than his first term about 800,000 people attended in 1993.
• George H. Bush Sr.’s inauguration in 1989 drew about 300,000.
• John Kennedy’s inauguration, a day snow fell in DC, drew an estimated 1 million in 1961.
• A small crowd attended the second Abraham Lincoln’s inauguration in 1865 (see photo above).

Image – Lincoln

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Post from: The DC Traveler

It seems like the initial thought was that since Inauguration Day is a work holiday for Federal workers in DC, and parts of Virginia and Maryland, Metro would charge the lower off-peak fare.

But I suspect Metro financial troubles has caused Metro officials to rethink (and I believe correctly), to charge peak rates all day on Inauguration Day.   The higher fares are based on a high price it will cost to keep Metro running with lots of overtime being scheduled for Metro employees.

Metro will be charging standard peak rates all day long. But Metro is also offering a one-day unlimited use pass for just $7.80 if purchased in advance at Metro vending machines or sales offices. The passes cost $10 if ordered online and at Metro stations on January 20th.

And check out my published letter regarding Metro fares in the today’s Sunday Washington Post. 

Image – from personal collection – ©2008, Jon Rochetti

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Post from: The DC Traveler

A little over a week ago, I posted a new poll on the The DC Traveler, regarding if people thought that the city should allow bars and restaurants to remain open until 5:00 a.m. during inauguration week.

The votes so far…

• 23% – No, it’s a horrible idea.
• 27% – Yes, let people party longer.
• 50% – If people can’t get drunk by 2:00 a.m., another 3 hours won’t help them.

Sounds like a resounding…NO!!  But the poll will remain up for a little while longer, in case you haven’t yet voted.

But the DC City Council changed their mind, based on local pressure and even some pressure form Congress and modified the legislation. Now, places that serve alcohol will be allowed to remain open until 4:00 a.m., not the 5:00 a.m. initially allowed under the emergency legislation.

Plus, bars will need to register and pay a fee to the city in order to stay open (restaurants and bars – $100 per night, nightclubs – $250 for each night). Dining establishment can remain open 24-hours as well.

Metro has not announced any plans to extend operating hours beyond the normal hours to accommodate late night partiers.

Image – Flickr – clock

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Post from: The DC Traveler

Drivers that may be alcohol impaired or unable to safely drive can request a free taxi ride to their home, up to a maximum cost of $50, through January 1, 2009.

It’s never wise to drive after indulging and especially during the holiday season. Again this year, area police will be establishing sobriety checkpoints around the region.

Most years, Metro DC police set up approximately 30 during holiday season, including some surprising locations. One year, I saw a check point in the heart of Georgetown, catching post-happy hour drivers.

Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland all have a .08 blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for a establishing DUIs, and Maryland adds a .07 for a DWI.

The penalties for a receiving a first-time DUI are severe, including losing your license, fines, points, and possible jail time.  Washington, DC also requires mandatory jail time of a minimum of 5 days for drivers arrested with a BUC in excess of .20. While Virginia also has mandatory jail time for higher BACs on the first offence, resulting in 5-15 days if the BAC is over .15.

The SoberRide program is in effect daily only between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. and offered to licensed drivers at least 21 years old.

The rider (or person who requested the cab) is responsible for any fare on the meter over $50.

Call 1-800-200-TAXI (8294) from any Washington, DC , Virginia or Maryland mobile phone, pay phone or landline and mention “SoberRide”.

Calls and rides can originate from any of the following locations:

• District of Columbia
• Maryland – Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, or the cities of Rockville, Bowie, College Park, Gaithersburg, Greenbelt and Takoma Park
• Virginia – Arlington, Fairfax, Prince William and Eastern Loudoun Counties, or the cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax, Manassas and Manassas Park

A total of 17 area taxi companies are participating this year.

Image – Flickr – checkpoint
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Post from: The DC Traveler

Hosted by DC101’s Elliot in the Morning radio host, partygoers get to enjoy an open bar, a heavy hors d’oeuvres buffet, karaoke, live bands (Cowboy Mouth, Pat McGee Band, Gonzo’s Nose), dancing and a comedy club.

The Downtown Countdown    
Grand Hyatt Washington
1000 H Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001  (map it)

Dates and Times – Wednesday, December 31, 2008, 8:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.

Tickets – $109.00 and are available online or by phone at 202-397-SEAT. This event is 21 years old and over only.

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Metro Center – Red, Blue and Orange line. The station is connected to the Hyatt.

Parking – Valet - $30.00, self-parking – $20.00

Images – champagne, party favors
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Post from: The DC Traveler

Here’s the second part of the listings of official and unofficial Inaugural Balls in Washington, DC, that will be celebrating the inauguration of the 44th President of the United State, Barak Obama.

Here’s the list for January 20, 2009 Inaugural Balls, the first list of inaugural balls, (on January 19), was posted on The DC Traveler, yesterday. Click here to link to the other post.

Again, the availability of tickets may change daily.  Even if inaugural balls are sold out, waiting list or returned tickets may be available.

• American Indian Inaugural Ball   
  Hyatt Regency Crystal City
  2799 Jefferson Davis Highway
  Arlington, VA 22202
  Date & Time – January 20, 2009 -7:30 p.m.
  Tickets – $110
• The George Washington University Inaugural Ball
  Omni Shoreham Hotel
  2500 Calvert Street, NW at Connecticut Ave.
  Washington, DC 20008
  Date & Time – January 20, 2009 8:00 p.m.
  Tickets – $100 (SOLD OUT)
• Hawaii State Society Inaugural Ball
  Mandarin Oriental Hotel
  1330 Maryland Avenue, SW
  Washington, DC 20024
  Date & Time – January 20, 2009, 7:00 p.m.
  Tickets – $200 (SOLD OUT) 
• New Jersey Inaugural Ball
  Washington Court Hotel
  525 New Jersey Ave., NW
  Washington, DC
  Date & Time – January 20, 2009 – 7:30 p.m.
  Tickets – $100
• Pennsylvania State Society Inaugural Gala   
  Ritz-Carlton Washington, DC
  1150 22nd Street, NW
  Washington, DC 20037
  Date & Time – January 20, 2009 – 7:00 p.m.
  Tickets – $150
• State Society of Arizona Inaugural Ball   
  Historical Society of Washington, DC
  1307 New Hampshire Ave NW
  Washington, DC 20036
  Date & Time – January 20, 2009, 9:00 p.m.
  Tickets: $175, $300 per couple

Images – Flickr – sign, ball gown
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Post from: The DC Traveler