DC Expects 1M for Obama Inauguration

By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Nov 13, 2008 8:31 PM CST
DC Expects 1M for Obama Inauguration
JFK's inauguration day in 1961.   ((AP Photo, File))

Washington, DC, is bracing for what could be a record-breaking inauguration crowd for Barack Obama. The National Park Service is preparing for more than 1 million people to descend on the capital, with tickets in short supply and hotels booked up. The Park Service said it will clear more viewing space along the Pennsylvania Avenue parade route and set up jumbo TV screens along the National Mall.

"You can't judge by past inaugurations. It's going to break all the records," said Eleanor Holmes Norton, who represents DC in Congress. "They're going to come with or without tickets." The biggest inauguration crowd on record is 1.2 million for LBJ in 1965; JFK drew 1 million in 1961 despite snow, and Bill Clinton 800,000 in 1993. (More President Obama stories.)

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