White House: How to get tickets for Obama's farewell address

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The White House has released details on how the public can get tickets for President Barack Obama's farewell address at McCormick Place.

The president will be giving his farewell speech on Tuesday, January 10 at 8 p.m. Tickets will be distributed on Saturday, January 7 at 8 a.m. at McCormick Place.

According to the White House website, tickets will be free and will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Only one ticket per person will be given out. The website says no one will be allowed to line up before 6 a.m.

For more information on how to get tickets, visit the White House website.

For those who cannot get tickets, the event will be live streamed on the White House Facebook page and on the White House website.

In an email from President Obama, he said he just started writing his speech, but he plans to make it a thank you to those who have been with him on what he's calling an amazing journey. He also wants to ensure the smooth transition of power.

In an email, Obama said, "Since 2009, we've faced our fair share of challenges, and come through them stronger."

The president also said he'll offer some thoughts on where he thinks the country is going in the future.

"I think it's appropriate. He's from here. I think a lot of people here care about his presidency. It impacted a lot of people," said Emily Flaherty.

"It's history. It's definitely history to see an African American president do the things he's done. I would definitely want to be there I will be there if I'm not at work," said Malik Covington.

PRESIDENT OBAMA'S FULL EMAIL ON HIS FAREWELL ADDRESS:

In 1796, as George Washington set the precedent for a peaceful, democratic transfer of power, he also set a precedent by penning a farewell address to the American people. And over the 220 years since, many American presidents have followed his lead.

On Tuesday, January 10, I'll go home to Chicago to say my grateful farewell to you, even if you can't be there in person.

I'm just beginning to write my remarks. But I'm thinking about them as a chance to say thank you for this amazing journey, to celebrate the ways you've changed this country for the better these past eight years, and to offer some thoughts on where we all go from here.

Since 2009, we've faced our fair share of challenges, and come through them stronger. That's because we have never let go of a belief that has guided us ever since our founding -- our conviction that, together, we can change this country for the better.

So I hope you'll join me one last time.

Because, for me, it's always been about you.

President Barack Obama