Those big bad corporations that underwrite much of the inaugural festivities expense have cut back. Some aren’t donating at all. Imagine that!
However, I would imagine every president who was re-elected had a lower turnout for the second. All of Reagan’s 2nd Inaugural events were canceled due to Arctic temps.
And it’s not new at all that the balls are all limited to a single venue. That started with W’s 2nd inaugural. All were at the convention center, wit the exception of the Military Ball that was at Union Station.
Big corporations couldn't underwrite inaugural festivities - ObamaCare is bankrupting them. They can't AFFORD it.