Inauguration Day Balls
In just under one year, on January 20th, 2009, failing a coup, revolution or a major legal battle over hanging chads, a new president will be taking the oath of office on the steps of the Capitol Building in Washington, DC.
Thomas Jefferson was the first president to take the oath in Washington. And Andrew Jackson the first to use the steps of the Capitol Building for the ceremony.
Following the inauguration parade, higher level campaign workers, movers & shakers, fund raisers, fat-cat politicos, Hollywood types, and deep-pocket supporters of the winning candidate, get to attend one of formal inauguration balls that evening.
Tickets for these balls are hard to come by. But tickets often come up for sale through ticket brokers as the event date comes closer.
But even harder to find, is a hotel room anywhere around the White House for the few days leading up to January 20th. With tens of thousands of people visiting Washington, DC to celebrate their candidate’s victory, hotel rooms go fast.
Already, many downtown DC hotels are “sold out”. I checked two of the major hotels chains and of the ten properties closest to the White House (within 5 miles), all ten 
were sold out for the 19th, 20th and 21st. And we’re still nine months from the election!!
So if witnessing the inauguration on a big screen TV with thousands on the National Mall or if attending one of the fancy inauguration balls is on your “must do” list, make your hotel reservations now.
Here’s a partial list of the larger balls in Washington, DC for that evening(schedule and location subject to change).
- Constitution Ball at the Washington Hilton for AR, CT, GA, IN, ME, MN, MS, MT, NV, NM, OK, OR, PR, VI, WI WV and the Pacific Territories.
- Freedom Ball at Union Station for AK, AL, IL, KS, LA, MI and the Diplomatic Corps
- Commander in Chief Ball for Military Personnel Only at the National Building Museum
At the DC Convention Center:
- Independence Ball for CO, DE, DC, HI, ID, IA, MD, MA, MO, NE, NH, RI, SC, VT, VA and WA
- Texas Wyoming Ball for TX and WY
- Liberty Ball for FL
- Democracy Ball for AZ, CA, KY, NC, ND, SD, TN and UT
- Patriot Ball for OH
- Stars & Stripes Ball for NY, NJ and PA
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7 Comments
I already reserved my hotel rooms around the 15th of January for next year. It’s all about location, location, location-close to to the Metro, the National Mall, the Convention Center.
It’s a party no matter who wins!
In a few weeks, I’ll comb the websites for airfare.
Elizabeth:
I love your bi-partisan spirit!!
I have reservations at two hotels.
The Ritz tyson court and the Marriot Key bridge. Which one do you think is better and how do I get tickets to the balls. What are the alternative places to be.
Stephanie:
The Ritz is a lovely upscale (think 4-star) hotel about 40 minutes from DC at Tysons Corner. Tysons is suburban DC’s most upscale and also it’s largest double shopping mall. So if you want some shopping ops and don’t mind the commute into DC, the Ritz is great. No access to the Metro though. It’s a 10 minute cab ride to the nearest station.
The Marriott Key Bridge overlooks the bridge into Georgetown and is very convienent. It’s just a few blocks into the heart of Georgetown or a quick cab ride to anywhere in DC. And it’s just 3 blocks from a Metro station. I think the hotel was built in the early 1970s and looks a bit dated, but inside it is comfortable and well-appointed.
So I guess it’s a decision of great location versus being pampered, but with some drive time.
As to getting a ticket to a ball, get close to a campaign (just make sure its the winning one and hope you get an invite), or watch for tickets from ticket brokers online. Check the online brokers and also Craigs List in Waashington, DC as the date gets closer.
Everyone ~ Thanks for the great advice! My husband and I are looking ofrward to coming out from California. It should be a great time!
Everyone ~ Thanks for the great advice! My husband and I are looking forward to coming out from California. It should be a great time!
I’m only 13 and I’m supposed to be going also. I recieved an invitation to go. My school is paying for me to go starting from Jan.15-20.At a very nice hotel,and they gave me tickets for everything happening that week that has to do with the president. I’m so happy and can’t wait to go!