It's Official: Obama Will Give Convention Speech At Stadium

Obama will accept the Democratic nomination at Denver's Invesco field -- which can hold over 75,000.

"The Democratic Party is nominating a true change candidate this August, and it is only fitting that we make some big changes in how we put on the Convention," DNC Chairman Howard Dean says. "By bringing the last night of the Convention out to the people, we will be able to showcase Barack Obama's positive, people-centered vision for our country in a big way."

"Barack Obama's campaign for change has inspired millions of Americans and brought people into the political process who might never have been involved," said Convention Co-Chair Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius. "This change in the Convention program will allow thousands of first-time participants a chance to take part. I can't think of a better Convention finale for our nominee who has made reaching out to voters a hallmark of his campaign."

"Senator Obama and the DNCC have truly brought the community into the Convention," said Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, Jr. "This decision will enable thousands of residents from Colorado, the Rocky Mountain West and across the nation to witness history first hand. What a way to fire up our grassroots activists as we head into the fall campaign."

Rumors of the switch surfaced on Thursday.

The move from the Pepsi Center convention hall means "accepting the party's designation, historic as it may be, will not be the central focus of his remarks," The Nation says. "Rather, Obama will be putting the convention -- and the Democratic party -- behind him as he launches . . . outreach to Americans who don't usually vote and Americans who don't usually vote Democratic."

Comments

[Thron]

That will be the day when I cry tears of hope. I will be saying to myself America my America have more strings, strength, soul and self regenerating capacity to make the unexpected possible.

[DRaymond]

This will be huge in every sense of the word.

Don't worry about security. They have to handle the same number of people every weekend for NFL games and check them for prohibited items. People will begin showing up hours beforehand so there will be lots of time for the processing.

Don't worry about filling it. All of the attendees at the Pepsi Center will get a ticket so that gets you at least a third of the way there already. I am betting that they are expecting to have to put up big screens outside for the overflow.

Don't worry about McCain being able to duplicate it. Nobody works a big crowd better than Obama. Faced with a stadium sized crowd McCain will get a deer-in-the-headlights look and how-do-I-use-this-teleprompter-thingy delivery.

The message of not just wanting to address the party insiders but everybody will really resonate.

[gladys46]

This is change!! While rethugs play checkers ... O plays chess!

Nice!

[eNewsReference]

I'm sure there will be over 100,000 thousand trying to pile in....I don't think they can have his inauguration in the same place (if he wins).... http://www.enewsreference.com

[patmancando]

Why? You think all those Internet donors/tithers will be invited to the inauguration?

[JJeff88]

The way to portray Sen. Obama as "more than just a 'rock star'" isn't to shy away from big crowd events. One of his strengths is the ability to inspire thousands. (When you've got it, flaunt it.).

Just so long as he keeps on holding other smaller interactive events, he'll do just fine.

One concern, however:

We're talking open air stadium here. What if it rains or (since we're talking Denver) snows?

[BillForObama]

IN AUGUST????? SNOW?????

[BillForObama]

Besides NFL plays in the SNOW|||

[sherbug]

Snow in the middle of August?

[midknightryder13]

As a meteorologist, I have some news for you -- were it to snow in Denver in August -- THAT would be the story.

Further, when it rains in Denver in the summer -- it is USUALLY in the late morning to afternoon. Remember, this speech will be timed for about 10:00pm ET -- that's 8:00pmMT.

I'm not saying it's impossible -- but unlikely. I would assume SOMEONE had the presence of mind to check the climatological records for the last week in August before making this change.

Besides, IF they HAD to change back -- Pespi Center s right next to the Pavilion and Auraria campus. There would be a way to handle the overflow. (And I'm SURE they have a continency plan just in cast of inclement weather.)

[Mattyhorn]

This seems entirely appropriate, given that this year's election has increasingly taken on the complexion of a sporting event.

This could be the most-watched campaign speech in history, and I'll bet anything that the feed will be taken internationally. "Leader of the Free World" is about to take on a whole new meaning.

"For the nation. For the world. Obama '08" (C) 2008 m.h.

[edwarvir]

This is so exciting. I am going to try and find a way to go. I just want
them to make sure they keep My BARACK AND MICHELLE AND DAVID AXELFORD
AND ROGER GIBBS AND DAVID POULIFFE SAFE.


OBAMA/WEXLER 08

[pleeezzze]

Feel fgree to keep them home and OUT of our state completely .

[obama4america]

Waaa waaa...keep whining. Mad cuz Pappy McSame is not only full of bull, but also the most uninspired politician since Millard Fillmore?

[vsign]

pleeezzze. I am from Colorado also. I am hoping our state does not vote for Obama in the General. I will do my part. My family changed our party affiliation to Independent.

[jlc0426]

Can you imagine the contrast between the Democratic Convention and the Republican Convention, which takes place, a week later?

I can't wait to see the difference!

If McCain is any indication, I'm sure the Repubs convention will be like watching paint dry!!!

[cindyw]

I get happy watching paint dry. It means things will look fresh and new, something I don't expect to see at the Republican Convention

[surfcitysteven]

It will be like watching weeds die.

[MrPragmatic]

Who cares? Obama thinks that his lofty rhetoric spoken among screaming groupies will provide some kind of big change? All style and no substance. Just plain embarassing.

[SteveStephens]

Really? tell that to Hitler. (and I'm not comparing the two)

[bongogirl]

Obama is a candidate FOR THE PEOPLE. And, Obama will be a president FOR THE PEOPLE as well.
There are going to be scores of people who will be able to attend the historical event. I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OBAMA '08

[MrPragmatic]

Maybe you can throw your panties up on stage.

[Obambot]

As long as we can keep trolls off the stage!

[CookieCrunch]

I so wish I could be there to witness this in person but I will be glued to the television set! Matter of fact, I need to find some spot with a big screen!!!!! HISTORY IN THE MAKING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[MrPragmatic]

How old are you anyway? About 12?

[loucreattie]

There is nothing wrong with being excited and motivated by Obama. I know I am. I think its great to see people like CookieCrunch get so pumped up about about this history making moment.

[laylahb]

Not a great move. Do "undecideds" and "swing voters" want to see a President or The Rolling Stones and their screaming fans? I can't wait to hear the GOP spin on this.

Logistical nightmare. You have to move 21,000 people from the Pepsi Centre to Invesco Stadium, and get another 50,000 "fans" into Denver (flights and hotels are overbooked). The Denver Police can't handle the Convention, how about a 75,000 person "rock concert" with security for a future President, former Presidents, Members of Congress, Senators and other dignitaries? This is going to cost us, big time.

Does it ever rain in Denver in August? It did at Woodstock..

[msmaggie]

I see your point. Don't like equating politics with entertainment, or with the idea of win/lose that is related to sports. Also a little Nuremburg-ish.

And let's throw it out there, can a black American candidate identify himself too much w MLK for his own good? I know, I know. But because it's distasteful doesn't mean it isn't something to consider.

Triumph of style of substance? I dunno, seems like the possible downside here trumps the possible upside.

[Dane1911]

So because he wants everyone to have a part of this change, he is entertaining people. Please dont be afraid of change. Change is something you embrace especially when its a positive change. I know we are used to being ignored and pander to when the election is around and ignored when the President is elected but this man always said WE can do this.

[Thron]

Your thinking have a test of yesterday, the past in the bitter world. The past wont do no good to tomorrow without hope and less helpless criticism of a man who fought is way with strength against the denial of others miss marples like you. Cynicism is a meal white conservative and clintoridians have offer America for solutions. If we don't know where we are heading with him, at list we know that with you we are going nowhere...

[IntelligentDesign]

Eeyore could not have said it better.

[msmaggie]

That should be "style over substance" in my other post below. (or above.....)

[tsloan]

Denver is a high desert climate....August is usually very dry here.

[jupitor]

Where in the heck did your brains go laylahb? of course denver can handle this! It handles it all football season full of fans every year! I'm told the field will not cost much at all. That cost will be off set with food sales, T-shirts,button sales and much more. Than they may even get donations at this thing! So cost won't be on you or the Denver folks. Trying to spin this as a bad thing, won't work! I've seen this man talk out-side to huge crouds of peole with even Boat in the water near by Observeing. Came off with out a hitch. Well planed, and they didn't even plan for over 50,000 people to show up and more than that did! This will be a convention of all conventions, and talked about for years to come! The denver folks with make fist fulls of money through the days to come, over this! There prepareing and will enjoy the income they sorely need in these hard times. Sorry your so darn jealous laylahb that you can only think about what might go wrong, and the greatness of this Amazeing new Era were going for! Yes We Can!

[loucreattie]

Awesome post! Thank you very much........Yes We Can!

[vsign]

This arena, mega-church sermon to accept the nomination is creepy. Rev Obama is too too much like another politician in history who gave big big speeches to a people wanting purpose in life. His use of race to divide us is similar also.

I am embarrassed by the Democratic Party. My husband and I have changed from being Democrats all of our lives to Independent. We do not yet know what we will do come voting time. We live in a swing state and do not want Rev Obama to be voted in as a leader. We would have been proud to vote for Hillary.

[obama4america]

Only f---ing idiots compare people to Hitler. Stop whining you pu$$ies.

[loucreattie]

Sounds to me like someone is a sore loser.......

[Ariadne]

I can't wait. Since I live in Denver I am more likely now to be able to go to hear this historic speech. Thanks Barack.

[kay]

President Bush regularly helicoptered into stadium events during the 2004 campaign.

Remember that? It was really effective. I'm sure I picked up the tab.

[gladys46]

I surely do!! Worthless!