Since Barack Obama's election, a ticket to his inauguration has become the hottest commodity not just in town, but also around the world. According to new police estimates, the number of visitors to Washington around January 20 could now reach up to 5 million -- 25 percent of the 20 million visitors the District sees annually. And that's also nearly two percent of all Americans.

Secret Service assured NEWSWEEK last month that preparations have been thoughtful and comprehensive and security officials can handle the hordes of people that will descend on the National Mall for the swearing in and on Pennsylvania Avenue for the parade that follows.

But as the Washington Times points out today, the weekend is looking to be more like a logistical nightmare. More than 10,000 buses are expected in town that week, making getting around and parking more than just a rush-hour headache. The demand for Internet and cell phone service could severely strain the existing infrastructure of towers and lead to blackouts for everyone. Even employees at the hotels and catering companies that will produce the evening's glitzy parties will have trouble getting to work and making sure all the food and decorations arrive on time.

Then there are problems for the locals. Four million extra people in DC means that supermarkets will have to stockpile staples like bread and milk to meet the demand. And even if they do, the goods will still disappear quickly, leaving some customers looking at cleared-out shelves.

All of which leaves lots of money to be made. The city's metro system -- which plans to begin service at 4 a.m. the day of the inaugural and run trains on a rush hour schedule -- has advertised that it will sell a commemorative fare card with Obama's likeness on it leading up to the big day. Not a bad idea, considering the cards (which start at $1.35 and will be refillable) will the cheapest way to say "I was there."

Although odds are it won't be the only way the city cashes in.