Barack Obama's inauguration next Tuesday will be one that breaks numerous records in one go.

As the first U.S. black president, Obama's inauguration is projected to attract 1.5 to 2 million people that will gather on the National Mall to witness this historical event.

Networks are even jumping in on the buzz. MSNBC will broadcast the event on movie screens around the United States, while coffee-giant Starbucks will simulcast MSNBC's coverage in 650 of its stores.

ABC is devoting its entire prime-time programming Tuesday to the inauguration. Even sports channel ESPN is planning some coverage of the event.

Security is set to be the highest ever for any inauguration in U.S. history. Thousands of extra police, military troops and law enforcement agents, together with plain clothes officers roaming the crowds, will be scattered around the premises.

The event will also be closely watched by the Secret Police who will be treating the inauguration as a National Special Security Event.

It will be the most security, as far as I'm aware, that any inauguration's had, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, according to the Associated Press.