Friday, January 23, 2009           
                                         

RFK STADIUM - DC ARMORY CAMPUS WAS PLACE TO BE DURING INAUGURATION WEEK
Nation’s 44th President makes two visits to RFK Stadium-DC Armory campus for Inauguration activities

WASHINGTON, DC — The RFK Stadium - DC Armory campus was an integral part of the 2009 Presidential Inauguration activities with visits by President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden on consecutive days and visits by First Lady Michelle Obama, Dr. Jill Biden, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and international superstars Jay-Z and Beyonce throughout the week’s festivities.
Following is a summary of RFK Stadium - DC Armory Inauguration Week activities:

Monday, January 19 – “A Day of Service for Our Military” at RFK STADIUM
Over 12,000 volunteers from the District and cities around the country joined together on the RFK Stadium field and created over 85,000 care packages for troops serving overseas. First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden joined the volunteers in the morning putting together packages and energizing the group in their shared mission. Throughout the day, RFK Stadium was a political who’s who with scores of elected officials joining the volunteer effort. The items included in the care package included: Sunscreen, Foot Cream, Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Pad and Pen set, 5-hour Energy Drink, Gum, AT&T Phone Card and personalized greeting card. List of distinguished volunteers on second page*.

Tuesday, January 20 – Southern Inaugural Ball at DC ARMORY
President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden made their first visit to the DC Armory for the Southern Inaugural Ball Tuesday night. Approximately 8,500 revelers and supporters packed the Armory to welcome the 44th President of the United States. Obama and Biden thanked the crowd in separate appearances.

Wednesday, January 21 – Obama for America Staff Ball at DC ARMORY
On the first day of their administration, President Obama and Vice President Biden returned to the DC Armory for the Obama for America Staff Ball. Legendary performers Jay-Z and Beyonce visited the DC Armory in support of Obama while Jay-Z performed for the capacity crowd of nearly 10,000 campaign volunteers from all 50 states. The night’s program included opening act, Arcade Fire, and an opening thank you welcome from Biden. Actor Kal Penn (“Harold & Kumar) introduced campaign manager David Plouffe who introduced Obama. Obama’s thank you address led off the Jay-Z performance. Jay-Z was joined by Memphis Bleek during his performance.

Charter Bus Parking for Inauguration Ceremony on RFK STADIUM - DC ARMORY CAMPUS
First stop for thousands of visitors traveling to Washington, D.C. for the historic Inauguration Ceremony was RFK Stadium. The stadium grounds parked 1,196 charter buses and moved nearly 60,000 people to the ceremony via 234 free shuttle buses. Charter buses traveled to RFK from states all over the country.

MEDIA NOTE: For additional pictures or information and interview requests, please contact the DC Sports and Entertainment Commission Public Affairs Office via contacts listed. Thank you!

* - Volunteers at “A Day of Service for Our Military”

• First Lady Michelle Obama, Malia and Sasha Obama and Marian Robinson (mother of Michelle)
• Dr. Jill Biden and Ashley Biden (daughter of Joe Biden)
• Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (California)
• Thomas J. Vilsack, US Secretary of Agriculture
• Congressman John Adler (New Jersey)
• Congresswoman Dina Titus (Nevada)
• Congressman Bobby Bright (Alabama)
• Congressman Jeff Flake (Arizona)
• Congressman Christopher Carney (Pennsylvania)
• Congressman Steve Driehaus (Ohio)
• Senator Christopher Dodd (Connecticut)
• Senator Jon Tester (Montana)
• Governor Martin O’Malley (Maryland)
• Governor Deval Patrick (Massachusetts)
• Governor Jennifer Granholm (Michigan)
• Governor Chris Gregoire (Washington)
• Susan Rice (nominated to be US Ambassador to United Nations)
• Peter R. Orszag (nominated to be Director of Office of Management and Budget)
• Christina D. Romer (nominated to be member of the White House Council of Economic Advisors)
• Lisa P. Jackson (nominated to be Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency)
• Secretary-designate Janet Napolitano (Department of Homeland Security)
• Secretary-designate Shaun Donovan (Department of Housing and Urban Development)
• Secretary-designate Hilda L. Solis (Department of Labor)
• Secretary-designate Ken L. Salazar (Department of the Interior)
• Secretary-designate Ray H. LaHood (Department of Transportation)
• Secretary-designate Timothy F. Geithner (Department of Treasury)
• Secretary-designate Eric Shinseki (Department of Veterans Affairs)
• Attorney General-designate Eric H. Holder (Department of Justice)

About DC Sports and Entertainment Commission
The DC Sports and Entertainment Commission, an independent agency of the District of Columbia Government, is responsible for attracting, presenting and hosting sports, entertainment and special events in the Washington, D.C. area. The DCSEC is also responsible for the management and operation of the Stadium-Armory campus including RFK Stadium and the DC Armory. Please visit www.dcsec.com for additional information.