The inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama is seven days away, and MSU students — along with millions of others from across the nation — are planning trips to Washington, D.C., to witness the event. Below is a list of items students should keep in mind if they’re heading to the nation’s capital.
Drafting a plan
Article 1 Plane tickets to Washington, D.C., from Detroit are about $400. Traveling by car or train are cheaper options, with train tickets still available for about $100 less.
Article 2 If traveling by train, pre-purchase tickets to avoid unnecessary lines.
Article 3 Due to bridge closures on Inauguration Day, get into the city by Monday to avoid roadblocks in your route.
Getting around
Article 1 Many of the roads downtown will be closed, so don’t plan on driving around easily. Try to find a place to park early in the day, and be prepared to pay.
Article 2 Walking or biking will probably be the best and easiest method of transportation.
Article 3 If using the Metro, plan for long lines and large crowds. It costs $10 to purchase an all-day ticket for Inauguration Day at Wmata.com.
Securing accommodations
Article 1 Hotel rooms are still available, but be prepared to consider hotels 20 to 30 miles from downtown.
Article 2 Call and confirm your hotel reservation if you already have one.
Article 3 Don’t forget to check if family or friends near the Capitol are willing to let you stay with them. There are also listings of places to rent on Craigslist.org, although that isn’t necessarily the cheapest option — there is a house 25 miles from Washington, D.C., that is asking $7,000 for the inaugural week.
What to pack
READ MORE
Article 1 Temperatures during the inaugural week are expected to be in the 40s. It’s no East Lansing, but dress warm.
Article 2 Be prepared to spend a long time standing. Pack comfortable shoes.
Article 3 You’re witnessing history. Bring a camera with plenty of backup batteries to capture the event.
Inauguration Day
Article 1 With all the people attending, remember to arrive at the National Mall early to get a good spot. Camping out is prohibited, so don’t come the night before.
Article 2 There is a long list of prohibited items available at Inaugural.senate.gov/, including thermoses, signs and backpacks. Leave these items behind.
Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
Having fun
Article 1 If you don’t have tickets to any of the exclusive balls, don’t worry. There are still plenty of free public events going on, such as an opening celebration on Sunday and a youth concert on Monday.
Article 2 Bars will be open until 5 a.m. during inaugural week. If you’re legal, be ready for late nights.
Source: Presidential Inaugural Committee, Washington.org/inauguration
