NEW YORK — Free tickets to Bill de Blasio's mayoral inauguration were snapped up almost immediately after they went online Thursday, selling out in less than 90 minutes.
The mayor-elect reserved 1,000 tickets for "everyday New Yorkers" who want to attend his Jan. 1 swearing-in ceremony on the steps of City Hall, his representatives announced just after 12:30 p.m. Thursday. The tickets were available online on a first-come, first-served basis, and were listed as "sold out" as of 2 p.m. Thursday.
De Blasio will take the oath as the city's 109th mayor at noon on New Year's Day, alongside Comptroller-elect Scott Stringer and Public Advocate-elect Letitia James, who will also be sworn in.
"We are excited to announce this opportunity for New Yorkers from across the city to attend the inauguration," Gabrielle Fialkoff, the event's chairwoman, said in a statement. "Mayor-elect de Blasio is committed to ensuring that this is truly an event for all New Yorkers."
After the inauguration, attendees will be able to greet de Blasio inside City Hall.
De Blasio will also hold an open reception for New Yorkers at Gracie Mansion on Jan. 5.
