Inaugural Early Birds Will Be Barred From Camping Out

Officials steel for up to 5 million for historic event
By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 12, 2008 2:10 AM CST
Inaugural Early Birds Will Be Barred From Camping Out
Workers construct the inaugural platform at the west front of the Capitol in preparation for Barack Obama's inauguration.   (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

No one will be allowed to camp overnight to secure the best views on Inauguration Day, reports the Washington Post. Spectators will be barred from staking out spots until 7 am that morning, officials warned yesterday as they unveiled a series of rules for dealing with up to 5 million visitors expected for the historic event. Transit is expected to be overwhelmed by the turnout.

 "Best-case scenario, we can move close to 1 million people," said a transit spokeswoman. "We're going to ask people to walk. It's going to be very uncomfortable." The entire Mall will be opened to spectators for the first time during an inauguration, with Jumbotrons showing the noontime ceremony at the Capitol. (More Inauguration Day stories.)

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