NASHVILLE -- Tennessee Gov.-elect Bill Lee will soon be in charge of a $38 billion state budget with direct oversight over some 48,000 executive branch workers.
But there's one thing even a governor can't control -- and that's the weather.
Because of expected rain and thunderstorms on Saturday, that's driving the inauguration ceremony for Tennessee's 50th governor indoors.
Lee's transition office on Thursday afternoon announced the planned outdoor inaugural ceremony on Legislature Plaza in downtown Nashville will be moved inside to the nearby War Memorial Auditorium.
"While the weather doesn't seem to be cooperating, we are looking forward to a fantastic inaugural weekend," Lee said in a statement announcing the change. "I encourage Tennesseans to be safe, but still also feel welcome to attend this historic event."
He said "we are making every effort to accommodate overflow space for those wishing to attend because I want to ensure no Tennessean is turned away who wants to join us for the festivities."
The inaugural ceremony is free and open to the public. It begins at 11 a.m. (CST).
Admittance to the event will be based on venue capacity of War Memorial Auditorium, 301 6th Avenue N. The event is historically held outdoors on the adjoining Legislative Plaza.
The inauguration will occur in a joint convention of the 111th General Assembly convened by Lt. Governor Randy McNally and Speaker of the House Glen Casada. The oath will be administered by Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice Jeffrey S. Bivins.
All other inaugural events will proceed as planned. Event details can be found at BelieveInTN.com.
Contact Andy Sher at asher@timesfreepress.com or 615-255-0550. Follow on Twitter @AndySher1.
