BusinessReport.com

If you’re among the 240,000 people who are holding tickets to view the inauguration of Barack Obama, then it’s possible that you’re secretly wishing for an assigned seat among the 30,000 at the steps of the U.S. Capitol, where the next president will be sworn in by Chief Justice John Roberts. And if you’re among that chosen elite, you’re probably dreaming of something closer up, in the first few aisles. But fret not—to be certain, you’re lucky.

It seems like everyone wants tickets. Members of Louisiana’s congressional delegation have been swamped with thousands of requests, a precedent. The House and Senate press offices are experiencing a tenfold increase in credential requests from as far away as Ethiopia and Antarctica. Reporters are being turned down in droves, as are average citizens. But people are still planning to go, just to be near the excitement and history. In fact, most major airlines are presently in the process of adding flights to Washington, D.C.

In order to personally use her own inauguration ticket, Dawn D. Collins of Baton Rouge, a graduate student at Southern University, held a personal fundraiser through her MySpace page. She raised enough dough and will also be taking part in the University Presidential Inaugural Conference. “The most exciting part, some might say, is the inauguration, and I’m glad to be going,” she says, “but I’m more energized about what happens after Obama becomes president.” Just for the opportunity to be there at the beginning, Collins has cobbled together $3,500 from friends and family.

Some people are willing to pay that amount. And not surprisingly, some are willing to charge more, even if it means one year of hard labor. According to CNN, one ticket broker was recently asking $20,095 for a single inauguration ticket. Ebay has banned such activities, but there are still high-dollar deals for ball tickets and lodging. Obama’s official inauguration committee, meanwhile, is hosting an essay contest for 10 free tickets, and several foundations have been formed to serve up tickets like grants.

Members of Congress are getting into the game as well. Johnnie A. Jones Sr., a local civil rights attorney, is going as a guest of U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu. The 89-year-old Jones told 225 magazine the invitation stunned him. “I never thought this would happen to me in this lifetime,” Jones says.

For others from Baton Rouge, the experience will be just as personal. Rose J. Hudson, Louisiana Lottery CEO, says the anticipation alone is thrilling. “But I find myself feeling wistful as well,” she adds. “I will attend the ceremony as a representative of generations of my family that practiced excellence in spite of living in a society that constantly sent them messages of worthlessness. It would be wonderful for them to be able to witness this validation of who we all can become."

As for the rest of us stuck at home, there are a few local events gearing up for the Jan. 20 show. For instance, the Baton Rouge and New Orleans chapters of the National Black MBA Association are hosting a $75-per-ticket fundraiser at the River Center. It’s a formal affair with black tie and red carpet that proves history, at least in this case, doesn’t have to be so costly.