Congressional offices to hand out free inaugural tickets
By Lisa Vorderbrueggen
Thursday, November 6th, 2008 at 7:15 pm in Obama presidency.
UPODATED 11/10/08: Click here to read my story posted today with more details about the inaugural tickets and contact information for East Bay members of Congress. Note: I do not have tickets nor can I place you on ticket lists. Please read story to learn how to request tickets.
Tickets to Barack Obama’s inaugural ceremonies in Washington, D.C., are free but you have to contact your congressional representative’s office to obtain them, according to the joint inaugural committee.
The committee is also warning citizens about inaugural ticket sale scams: No organization or website has tickets to sell regardless of what they may advertise, the committee said.
Members of the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives will be given tickets to distribute, which must be picked up in person a week prior to the inauguration.
Hundreds of inauguration-related events will be held in Washington, D.C., as well, so citizens who hope to participate in this historical event will have plenty of available stops on the party circuit.
Read the full press release below:
Tickets to the 56th Inaugural Ceremonies will be provided free of charge and distributed through Members of the 111th Congress. The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies does not provide tickets to the public. Members of the public interested in attending the Inaugural Ceremonies should contact their Member of Congress or U.S. Senators to request tickets.
The public should also be aware that no website or other ticket outlet actually has inaugural swearing-in tickets to sell, regardless of what they may claim. Tickets will not be distributed to Congressional offices until the week before the inauguration and will require in-person pick-up.
“Any website or ticket broker claiming that they have inaugural tickets is simply not telling the truth,” said Howard Gantman, Staff Director for the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. “Tickets for the swearing-in of President-elect are all provided through members of Congress, and the President-elect and Vice President-elect through the Presidential Inaugural Committee. We urge the public to view any offers of tickets for sale with great skepticism.”
The members of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies are: Senator Dianne Feinstein, Chairman; Senator Bob Bennett, Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee; Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid; Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi; House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer; and House Republican Leader John Boehner.
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November 6th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
My question was not answered, When (date) do I start looking for tickets? Can I get on a list to be notified to pick up ticket? (When, Where and How do I get them? Can I get more than one? Candis
November 7th, 2008 at 2:45 am
Hello,
I am interested in obtaining tickets for the inaugural ceremony. How and which congress members should I contact? Thank you.
Arya Shoraka
November 7th, 2008 at 5:25 am
How do I get tickets
maryland
charles county
November 7th, 2008 at 9:40 am
Call your U.S. senator, congressman or woman’s office. According to the joint committee’s press release, the tickets will be handed out via these offices.
November 7th, 2008 at 10:33 am
I like to get some tickets for the Inauguration how do I go about getting tickets.
Thank you,
Denise Weedon
706 650-9229
deniseweedon@comcast.net
November 7th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Delaine Gipson I would like tickets to attend the swearing in of President elected Obama.585-323-2564
November 7th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
You cannot obtain inaugural tickets from me. I am only a reporter. You must, per the press release provided by the joint committee, contact your congressman or woman’s office.
November 7th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
how do i get tickets to the inauguration
November 7th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Doesn’t anybody actually read? Geez. I do not have tickets. Per the committee’s instructions, you must call your congressman or woman’s office.
November 8th, 2008 at 9:05 am
PLEASE TELL ME HOW TO GET TICKETS I’M RETIRED ARMY IF THAT HELPS.
November 8th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
Dear Lisa,
Yes, I can read!!! Thnak you for the information. Comment/Question: Although, I am not a first time voter, this would be my first time wanting to attend the Presidential Inauguration. I have always thought the event wass free to the public without calling my U.S. representative’s or senator’s office for tickets. Is this policy and or procedure the norm? Your response is greatly appreciated. “Ignornace comes from those who do not seek the knowledge”.
November 8th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
Hello I would like to be apart of history what senators office can I get tickets from California?
November 8th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
OK, pay attention.
#1. Read article above.
#2. Understand that tickets are “free” but YOU probably won’t be getting them.
#3. Your Congressperson…that would be the Senators or Representative for your district…(you are supposed to know who that is)….will receive a handful of tickets which will be given to their staff, family and friends and people who have contributed to their campaigns in some way. (Still, you can try to contact them through your state capital information line).
#4. If any of those people with tickets (who have picked them up in person…usually in D.C.), don’t want to go, they may give a ticket away or possibly sell it to an on-line broker for re-sale. Which brings us to:
#5. Virtually ALL of the “online brokers” are total scams….don’t do it!. They take orders for tickets they don’t have, charge your credit card, and keep your money. You’ll either get a bogus ticket or nothing at all.
#6. The best seats are in your livingroom.
November 9th, 2008 at 5:41 am
I would like to obtain tickets for the inaugural ceremonies, how do I get these tickets?
November 9th, 2008 at 5:43 am
Can you tell me the website to request inaugural tickets.
Lenora Davis
November 9th, 2008 at 7:58 am
I am interest in obtaining two tickets to President elect Obama’s inaugural ceremony. How can I request?
November 9th, 2008 at 8:55 am
How, when, where do I obtain Inag. tickets?
RJ
November 9th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
My daughter has a powereful message to share with the youth internationally. We are interested in the entertainment segment of the inaugurational ball. She has written a campaign piece that reflects President-elect Barack Obama. I know that “Myrikal’s” talent would be a great asset to this historal event. Not only has Myrikal significantly impacted her community, but disrupted conventional thinking of the 2008 election amongst her peers. Since Myrikal has already been an activist in change and a motivational speaker (current age 15)for six years now, it would be an honor to assist President Obama in the revolutionary renewing of America. Please allow us the opportunity to be apart of the event. Thank you and God Bless!
November 9th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
I need to know where to get free tickets to the Inaugural ceremony. Please let me know how I can obtain them. I live in Washington D.C. My council woman is Eleanor Holmes Norton. Thank you and God Bless!!!
November 9th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Seeking 3 inaugural tickets – Mom with 2 boys. Thanks-
November 10th, 2008 at 9:46 am
Hello To Whom It May Concern,
How are you? My name is Ramonia Edwards and I am contacting this office to ask, how I can recieve tickets to the Inaugration Parade and if I would eligiable to also recieve tickets to one of the many balls that will be held? If so, can my name be put on the list if there is already one in process? Also how many tickets would I be eligible to recieve to each event?
I can be reached as you can see by, 301-233-2200 / 202-757-7040 (or) ramonia.e.edwards@us.army.mil. Thank you, Ramonia
November 10th, 2008 at 9:50 am
To Whom It May Concern: I am in need of tickets(6) for the Inauguration. I like to know, when, where & how I may get them. I am planning on attending the event along with five(5) other members of my church in Charlottesville, VIRGINIA(Pilgrim Baptist Church), Dr. RAJohnson, Pastor. Thank you so much. Will be waiting to hear from someone. First Lady Phyllis Johnson, Wife of the pastor.
November 10th, 2008 at 11:24 am
Plesae let me know how to obtain tickets for Washington DC’s inauguration. I will need 5 tickets or whatever I am allowed to get.
Thank you
November 10th, 2008 at 11:42 am
Would love to get tickets for the Inaugural Ball, please let me know how I could go about that.
Thank you very much.
November 10th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
Access this website: http://www.house.com
Enter your zipcode to find who you representative is (if you don’t already know).
Send an email with your name, address, and # of tickets you are requesting, to your Congressman (representative). All tickets were probably already distributed. a little late but hope this helps.
November 10th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
I would like to obtain tickets for any events allowed starting on 1/18-1/21/09, which includes the Inaugural Ball, or any other ceremonies, please let me know how to get at least 4 tickets? Thanks for all of your help. I called the congressman’s office for the inaugural tickets, does this include the ball?
November 10th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
How do I get tickets for inaugral events?
November 10th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
My family and I are requesting 5 tickets for the inauguration for 2009, or whatever will be available.
November 10th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Oh my god. Are you people seriously this ignorant? READ THE ARTICLE. The author does NOT have tickets to hand out, YOU HAVE TO CONTACT YOUR OWN STATE REPRESENTATIVE. Which basically means YOU WILL NEVER GET A TICKET. They are usually passed out to close family and friends or supporters. It truly amazes me just how stupid some people can be. The only reason I’m possibly going to get a ticket is because of family in higher up positions in D.C. If you are too dumb to read the article etc. then you seriously do not even deserve to go.
November 10th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
I would like to obtain tickets for events allowed starting on 1/17-1/22/2009,family of 6, which includes the Inaugural Parade, Inaugural Ball and Presidential Inaugural Swearing In Ceremony.
November 10th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
My family and I are requesting 6 tickets for the inaugration for the 2009 ceremony. Please advise me of the process. Thanks.
November 10th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
I would like tickets for the Inaugural Celebration, family of six.
November 10th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
I need 6 tickets to the inaugural in January.
Be Blessed,
Sylvia Says…….
November 10th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
I need 6 tickets for my family to attend the inaugural for President-Elect Barack Obama, January 20, 2009.
Be Blessed,
Sylvia L. Johnson
November 10th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
My family and I have beed volunteers all along for Obama in the Tampa area. We would like 3 tickets for any of the events. I have 2 African Americans sons and this would be highlight of their lives. Thank you so much.
November 10th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
I’m interested in receiving two tickets for the inaugral event in Washington D.C in 1/20/09.
November 10th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
Lisa,
Thanks for the info. I am very sorry that people have commented like they have. I almost cannot believe it. Hope it lets up soon.
November 10th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
“Doesn’t anybody actually read? Geez. I do not have tickets. Per the committee’s instructions, you must call your congressman or woman’s office.”
I guess no one reads these days.
Google is your best friend.
USE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 10th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
I am truly astounded at the number of posted requests here for tickets along with people’s phone numbers.
Again, I have no tickets to hand out. I am a reporter in Walnut Creek, California. I merely reported where officials have directed constituents who want tickets, a waiting list which may or may not prove fruitful.
Go to the main entry and read it. You can also click on my story today — the link is posted at the top of the main entry — which offers a few more details and a congressional contact list for residents in the East Bay.
If you live elsewhere in the country, you need to figure out your representative’s name and contact him or her. If you don’t know your congressman or woman’s name, go to http://www.votesmart.org and enter your zip code in the member search function.
November 11th, 2008 at 9:38 am
i would like to get sum tickets to can u tell me where
November 11th, 2008 at 10:23 am
I put in my request with my congressman over 3 months ago expecting a win, so hopefully our names are on the top of the list. To everyone posting here – please be aware all the senators and congresspeople have been deluged with requests. If you didn’t ask before Nov 4 or immediately after the election, you may not get tickets, and Sen. Feinstein is looking to shut down all sales of tickets (they are supposed to be free, and staff of congress aren’t supposed to sell them). You need to call or e-mail your local rep/sen and see if they can add you to their list. According to the Inaguration website, all tickets will be sent to the reps/sen offices the week before and if you are selected, you have to pick them up in person. If you want to go without tickets, there are still places on the Mall you can go that aren’t reserved, but expect to be their VERY early!
November 13th, 2008 at 11:32 am
hi i am ver intrested in obtaining tickets if you have any further info on getting ahold of them or can give me a contact number or email that would be great
November 15th, 2008 at 10:57 am
I would like to know how to get inaugural tickets. I will need a total of six tickets.
I have an autistic son that gets excited whenever he sees Obama on tv. He loves Obama. He would make me aware when Obama was on tv. I would love for him to see Obama. Please send me information. I went to the David Scott website, and did not see anything about inaugural tickets. Please e mail me with response.
Thank you,
Desperately need tickets in Georgia
November 16th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
I am one of your MD residents and would appreciate your office sending me four (4) free 2009 Inaugural Ball Tickets. Democracy works!
Kayla Odum
2706 Greshen Way
Windsor Mill, MD 21244
Kayla.Odum@yahoo.com
November 17th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Dear Sir/Madam,
Please send me a total of six tickets. Thank you!
November 17th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
At least send me four tickets.
November 17th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Ha Ha Ha. This is too funny! How many times do you have to tell them?
I have a little story to tell. In 2004, I requested tickets to the Innaugeration of George Bush. I received 2 tickets from Ellen Tauscher’s office, even though she is a Dem and I am a Rep. I was very grateful and excited to get the tickets. I also wanted to see the parade. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the parade because a bunch of obnoxious protesters blocked every entry into the parade area. Because of these pink haired punks, thousands of people had their civil rights violated an were unable to view the parade. Gee, I wonder if that will happen again?
November 18th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Yeah you have to find out how toget in contact with the Senator in your state. But also Jesse Jackson’s Camp has tickets that they are giving out until they are out. I’m not sure on how to get in contact with them though. I’ll go to BET.com to see since I seen this stated on BET. Or just google Jesse Jackson.
November 18th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
I find these appeals for tickets very touching.
November 20th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
This is hilarious. Readers are leaders.
November 20th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Yeah, it’s pretty funny. I just keeping posting the requests!
November 20th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Please send me 6 tickets for the inauguarl ceremonies in washington for Barack Obama.
November 23rd, 2008 at 12:06 pm
dear sir/madam,
please to be sending me 25 tickets, one for each my childrens, their childrens, and potential puppies I hand-select for president OBAMA.
thank you god bless you
November 23rd, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Hey Lisa, I have some McCain-Palin inaugural tickets laying around here someplace that I’m not going to need
Will that help? 
November 24th, 2008 at 9:54 am
I live in the District of Columbia. I have been a Obama Supporter since day one. I would please like to have (2) tickets one for me and my (3) year old grandson. I thank you.
202-271-2844
November 25th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Hi,
I just became a US Citizen and was proud to vote for Change. I would love to receive 5 tickets. PLEASE!
Thank you!
Magdalena
619-890-2011
November 28th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
request (4)tickets
November 28th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
request (4)tickets and thank-you very much.
December 1st, 2008 at 6:00 pm
An Open Letter to the President-elect
Mr Nixon:
I requested tickets to your inaugural festivities in 1969 and did not receive any although I did receive a very nice letter from your campaign staff. I feel let down. I hope this is not an indicator of what your term will be like!
December 8th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Offices have been bombarded with requests.
Is anyone, general public, likely to receive any?
December 16th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Im a newly made citizen and would like to request 4 tickets for my family. Esp my young son who would love to be a part of this once in a lifetime experience.
thank you
December 27th, 2008 at 12:52 am
This was my second election and a first for some of my family memembers. I didn’t think at first I would be able to go and now realize how impossible it may be because of high demand. If ANYONE out there is unable to go or have an extra ticket I would love to recieve whatever tickets you may have. This will be a first for me and my husband as well as my first child, if anything she was born at a time of historic history!
Blessed are those attending! Enjoy!
Thank you!
678-324-1124
January 5th, 2009 at 9:56 am
Hi,
My name is Sherry Middleton. I would like to request 2 tickets for the 2009 presidential inagurration. I want to witness this historic event in person. I would love to be able to tell my kids that I was present when the first black president of the United States became president. I never thought that there would be anything worth seeing “history wise” in my time. I know this is a long shot but everyone said Obama winning was a long shot too:-)
Thanks,
Sherry 716 812 4940
January 5th, 2009 at 10:45 am
Do ALL congressional offices (including committees) receive tickets? Thanks.
January 5th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Not committees, I don’t believe, but members’ offices.
January 5th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
As for all of you who have asked for tickets, please reread the top of this post: I am a reporter, not a member of Congress. I have no tickets. I don’t even have a ticket for myself!
January 5th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
Eric & Bobbie Holloway
207 West 6th Street
Stuttgart, AR 72160
870-673-3225/870-830-5364
To Whom It May Concern:
Please send me four complimentary tickets to any of the events that are held between January 15 thru 18 that we can attend before the Inargural Address as this would be greatly appreciated. I would like to receive these tickets before I travel to the Washington D. C. area.
Thank you in advance
January 8th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
HELP…PENTAGON LEGEND, WEST POINTER,COL wondering where to get obama mil ball tickets? thx
January 11th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Please be very careful with tickets from
your Congressperson. I was told on 1/09/09
that I had 2 tickets for the inaugural ceremony
then I was told today 1/11/09 that I didn’t
get tickets after all. I guess the intern
who told me that I had 2 tickets waiting for
me was sadly mistaken. Now not only
don’t I have no parade tickets..but no inaugural
ceremony tickets either. I am hoping
that this was all a very sad mistake.
Maybe what would make me feel better is
a nice big blizzard on 1/20/09!!
January 11th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
No tickets after all after hearing today
from the administrative director for my
senator after being told by his intern
that I did have 2 tickets. All this is
making me very mad!! Next time don’t
contact me if the answer is no.
January 12th, 2009 at 8:45 pm
My name is Wesley B. Jones. I live at 5459 Chatham Woods Drive (Dr) in Columbus, GA 31907. I have a neighbor,Mrs. Mirchelle B. Johnson. She lives at 5459 Chatham Woods Court (Ct) in Columbus, GA 31907. We live in the same neighborhood, but on different streets and are in no way connected as a family. We were both volunteers for the Obama campaign for change. The Presidential Inaugural Committee sent one beautiful invitation to Mrs. Johnson’s home addressed to: Ms. Mirchelle B. Johnson and Wesley Jones, Somehow somebody got things mixed up. We both would like to have our own invitation. Since the one we received went to 5459 Chatham Woods Ct, Mrs. Johnson will keep it. I would love for them to send me,Wesley B. Jones, one. Again, I live at 5459 Chatham Woods Drive. This is the only blog that I could tap into. I only hope that somebody from the PIC will read it. Thanks, Wesley B. Jones (I enjoyed reading the other free expression comments) corrected comment
January 13th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
Where can I get tickets to the presention ingration?
January 15th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
Are these people constantly leaving requests for tickets blind or just plain stupid?
January 15th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Also, who leaves their name and address and phone number on a publicly available website? How do you think scam artists get away with what they do? Because people who aren’t too bright give them all the info they need, and then wonder how that sort of thing happened to them. Good lord.