WASHINGTON (AP) -- A report says flawed planning contributed to problems that prevented thousands of ticket holders from witnessing Barack Obama's inauguration.
Many ticket holders were kept waiting in a tunnel below the National Mall and missed the January ceremony. Others said access to the Capitol grounds was cut off.
A report released Monday by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies said the main problem was a surge of people, many without proper tickets, who overwhelmed the entrance gates.
The report said better signs were needed to inform guests where to go and that pre-screeners were needed to help direct crowds and ensure that people had the appropriate tickets.
The report also suggested that gates should open an hour earlier for the next inauguration.