AP: Crowd of 1 Million Could Attend Obama Inauguration

[Perky]

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration is expected to draw 1 million-plus to the capital, and already some lawmakers have stopped taking ticket requests and hotels have booked up.

Some people are bartering on Craigslist for places to stay for the Jan. 20 ceremony when the Illinois senator takes the oath of office. They are offering cash or even help with dishes for residents willing to open up their homes.

The National Park Service, which is planning for an inaugural crowd of at least 1 million, will clear more viewing space along the Pennsylvania Avenue parade route. Jumbo TV screens will line the National Mall so people can watch the inauguration and parade, park service spokesman David Barna said Thursday.

The District of Columbia's delegate, Eleanor Holmes Norton, is urging planners to use arenas and stadiums to help with overflow crowds wanting to view the ceremonies on big-screen TVs. She is also urging churches to hold viewing parties.

''You can't judge by past inaugurations. It's going to break all the records,'' Norton said. ''They're going to come with or without tickets. ... It's each man and woman for himself.''

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/washington/AP-Inauguration-Turnout.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

[n2doc]

1. At least that many

I'm thinking it is going to be as many people as can fit in the region. Question- what is the biggest assembly/protest/etc ever held in DC?

[Fluffdaddy]

2. Planning on being 1 of 1000000

[Thrill]

3. If so, hopefully they have another glass box around the Stage

[dascientist]

4. It's going to be the 5 millioin people march....

[graywarrior]

5. I'd give anything to be there