The Platform

President George W. Bush set the record (and the standard) in 2005 for the largest inaugural platform - about 10,000 square feet. It's made of lumber so as not to mar the surfaces of the Capitol area. The Architect of the Capitol (yes, there is an Architect of the Capitol) has a $4.2 million budget for platform construction, chairs, barricades and general improvements to Capitol grounds, according to The Associated Press. Some 1,600 people will be seated on the stage and another 1,000 in the bleachers. Kelly Clarkson and James Taylor, two of at least 21 musical artists playing at inaugural events, will perform during the ceremony.