Steinberg v. United States

90 Fed.Cl. 435 (2009)

Facts

The JCCIC announced that it would distribute, to the general public, approximately 240,000 complimentary tickets to view the inauguration ceremonies. Interested parties could obtain tickets by contacting their Congressman. P obtained two tickets for admission to the 'Blue Section' of the reserved viewing area. P traveled to Washington, DC to attend the inauguration and incurred travel expenses. P arrived at the designated 'Blue Section' several hours before the inauguration ceremonies were scheduled to begin. P stood in line to enter into the designated 'Blue Section,' but was eventually refused admittance. P asserts that he was never told by the JCCIC that there was a possibility that he and his guest might not be admitted into the designated viewing section. P asserted a claim under first promissory estoppel and later under an express breach of contract. D moved to dismiss.