Inauguration festivities begin at memorial

WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 (UPI) -- President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration festivities are to begin at the Lincoln Memorial, the Presidential Inaugural Committee said Saturday.

The Jan. 18 event is in keeping with Obama's promise for an inauguration that is "open, accessible and reflects a spirit of unity for Americans of all ages," said a release from the committee, noting Bill Clinton and George W. Bush held pre-inauguration events at the site after being elected president.

The event will be free, but require tickets, as will a youth concert at the Verizon Center Jan.19, CBS News reported. Details about who will perform at both events are to be released at a later date, the network said.