Sunday, January 18, 2009

Should I Stay? Should I Go?

The dilemma should I stay or should I go usually confronts GWU students as their alarm clock alerts them their 8:00am class is starting in minutes. For the Inaugural weekend, this question instead becomes a decision concerning schlepping to the National Mall at 4am with 2 million of your closest friends, or staying inside and watching the historic speech on your TV. If you choose to go, you have a few choices about getting to the mall - although all choices will be far from pleasant.

Metro: For those students lucky enough to have tickets to the swearing in ceremony, each seated and standing section is color coded and has designated metro stations. An important note is that you can only enter at the security gate designated for your ticket.
  • Orange Ticket Holders: Take Metro to Capitol South (Orange or Blue Line) Enter screening point at C Street, SE.
  • Blue Ticket Holders: Take Metro to Federal Center, SW (Orange or Blue Line) Enter screening point at Washington.
  • Purple Ticket Holders: Take Metro to Judiciary Square (Red Line) Enter screening point at First Street, NW and Louisiana Avenue, NW.
  • Yellow Ticket Holders: Take Metro to Union Station (Red Line) Enter screening point at Upper Senate Park between New Jersey Avenue, NW and Delaware Avenue, NE.
  • Silver Ticket Holders: Take Metro to Federal Center, SW (Orange or Blue Line) Enter screening point at Independence Avenue, SW at Third Street, SW.
The rumor is that you should allow 1 hour travel time while taking the metro. Keep in mind that certain metro stations (mostly on the Orange/Blue Line) are exit only from 4:00am to 10:30am on Inauguration day. You can find more information about exit/entrance only stations here.

Walking: If you don't have a ticket, it may be a good idea to walk to the mall. The Silver ticket section is behind the reflection pool. Behind the Silver section is where the general public will amass. This means that the Federal Center metro station (closest to the general public standing area) will be a nightmare. I would recommend walking straight down 23rd which will put you by the Lincoln memorial. That being said, prepared for huge crowds and a slow walk.

No matter how you choose to get to the ceremony (or if you decide to go at all) get ready for long lines, bundle up, and leave early.
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