Don’t Have Tickets for the Big Day? Inauguration Dress Rehearsal Offers Alternative

Posted January 11, 2013 at 12:24pm

Were you snubbed by Ticketmaster in your quest for seats to the inaugural ball and the Inauguration Day parade? Are you weary of the throngs of tourists that will descend on the District on Inauguration Day and clog up our already taxed commuting system?

There’s an answer to your woes.

On Sunday, the Department of Defense will hold a dress rehearsal of a number of Inauguration Day events, including President Barack Obama’s Capitol departure ceremony, a dry-run of the swearing-in and a run-through of the parade with military musical units, marching bands and color guards.

The Inauguration Day rehearsal will provide Washingtonians a low-key — albeit unofficial — alternative to the madness of the official Inauguration Day activities.

Beginning at 8 a.m. and going to 11:30 a.m., a full run-through of the parade will take place, including rehearsals for nonmilitary participants in the parade at the official reviewing stand in front of the White House.

Later on, from 11:30 a.m. to noon, stand-ins for the president and vice president will hold a mock swearing-in ceremony on the official inauguration platform that has been erected on the West Front of the Capitol.

“The purpose is to practice large-scale movements of military personnel and resources and finalize any logistical or staffing considerations for Inauguration Day,” according to the Joint Task Force – National Capital Region, which is providing the military support for this year’s Inaugural festivities.