The Secret Service, of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, was the lead agency for both security and logistics for the Inaugural Ceremony.
Their plan was to open the event to as many spectators as possible.
Security was expected to be strict, and vast portions of downtown Washington would be closed to all traffic.
Initially, it was thought that up to 4 million people would descend upon the area of the National Mall, but later reports from the Secret Service suggested that the number might not be that high.
Arrangements for 8000 police officers were made, however, and parking for up to 10,000 tour buses was arranged.
A Metro spokesperson warned that the subway system "will be utterly overwhelmed."
Camping was not permitted on the mall.

On November 13, 2008, the Secret Service announced that Obama's codename would be "Renegade".
In addition, his wife's is "Renaissance" and his daughters' are "Rosebud" and "Radiance".
The Secret Service, of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, was the lead agency for both security and logistics for the Inaugural Ceremony. Their plan was to open the event to as many spectators as possible. Security was expected to be strict, and vast portions of downtown Washington would be closed to all traffic. Initially, it was thought that up to 4 million people would descend upon the area of the National Mall, but later reports from the Secret Service suggested that the number might not be that high. Arrangements for 8000 police officers were made, however, and parking for up to 10,000 tour buses was arranged. A Metro spokesperson warned that the subway system "will be utterly overwhelmed." Camping was not permitted on the mall.
On November 13, 2008, the Secret Service announced that Obama's codename would be "Renegade". In addition, his wife's is "Renaissance" and his daughters' are "Rosebud" and "Radiance".
Presidential transition of Barack Obama