WASHINGTON (DC News Now) -- Eyes around the world will be on Washington, D.C. on Jan. 20 when President-elect Donald Trump takes the oath of office. Many eyes will be watching in person, including from the vantage point of the John A. Wilson Building. The home of the city's government will feature a a viewing stand. Cost: $1.5 million. Trump to host ‘victory rally’ at Capital One Arena day before inauguration That's a significant increase (roughly $1 million more), compared to the last time crews built a structure for a presidential inauguration. That was in 2017 when Trump first became president. (D.C. didn't put one up for President Joe Biden's inauguration in 2021 when we still were feeling effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.) The viewing area, which actually is comprised of three stands, can accommodate about 1,000 people. New Orleans attack sparks security concerns as Trump victory rally is set for Capital One Arena Dora T. Lowe, Public Information Officer in the mayor's office, explained that the huge jump in price in 2025 is tied to construction costs driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bowser administration is collaborating closely with federal partners to ensure a safe and celebratory inauguration and leadership transition. This year, the cost of constructing the inaugural viewing stand at the John A. Wilson Building is $1.5 million—a significant increase attributed to rising construction costs driven largely by the pandemic. Additionally, the project underwent competitive bidding this year due to the incumbent contractor’s limited capacity. Under the current plans, the Presidential viewing stand will accommodate 408 guests, the Media viewing stand will have a capacity of 425, and the John A. Wilson Building viewing stand is expected to seat 154 individuals. Thank you. Dora T. Lowe, Public Information Officer, Executive Office of the Mayor