U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette will host a lottery Tuesday morning to randomly distribute tickets to the historic Inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama.

Ticket recipients will be randomly chosen at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 23, in the lobby of the Congressman’s office at 1 Victoria Place, Room 320, Painesville.  Those whose names are drawn will receive a maximum of two tickets to the January 20th Inauguration in Washington, DC.  More than 700 constituents requested tickets.

LaTourette said constituents do not need to be present at the drawing Tuesday to receive their free tickets, and will be contacted by the office after the drawing. 

LaTourette said none of the House or Senate offices will receive tickets until the week before the Inauguration.  Lottery winners will be notified and instructed to pick up their tickets in the Congressman’s Painesville or Washington offices.  Please note that no tickets will be distributed on Monday, January 19, because all federal offices are closed for a federal holiday.

LaTourette plans to distribute many of the tickets his office receives, but some tickets will go to local elected officials and staff, as with previous inaugurations.  The tickets are for the standing-room area near the West Front of the Capitol, and tickets are required for admission to this area.

LaTourette said those attending the inaugural should be prepared to stand outside in the cold and in very cramped quarters for several hours.  All ticket holders will also have to go through a rigorous security screening.

“It’s a once in a lifetime experience, but you should be prepared to stand in the cold for hours and deal with massive crowds,” LaTourette said. “This isn’t a time to worry about appearance, and warm boots, hats and gloves are a must.”

Gates to the Inaugural Ceremony do not open until 9 a.m. on January 20th and the musical prelude begins at 10 a.m.  Musical guests include Aretha Franklin and Yo-Yo Ma. Ticket holders will pass through several security screenings before reaching the section indicated on their ticket.  There are many prohibited items, including posters, signs, backpacks, duffel bags, camera bags, umbrellas, strollers and thermoses, and there will be no check room for prohibited items.  Cell phones and cameras are permitted, but no tripods are allowed.  There will be no parking on Capitol Hill and attendees are advised to take Metro.

LaTourette said anyone who receives tickets in the lottery and does not intend to use them should contact his office as soon as possible at 800-447-0529.  Tickets are non-transferable, and it is a federal crime to sell Inauguration tickets.