Obama to accept nomination before 75K-strong crowd

Nick Juliano Published: Monday July 7, 2008
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Convention speech to be held at Denver's INVESCO Field at Mile High

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama will formally accept his party's nomination before a crowd of 75,000 people at Denver's football stadium, breaking the mold of party conventions that traditionally have included only party delegates and activists.

The Democratic National Convention Committee announced the venue change Monday, confirming days of speculation that Obama would move the convention's closing events to INVESCO Field at Mile High, where the Denver Broncos play. The rest of the convention will be at the Pepsi Center; both venues are in downtown Denver.

"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," said Democratic Party chairman Howard Dean said in a news release. "Senator Obama's candidacy has generated an enormous amount of excitement and interest, not only in the Democratic Party but also in the 2008 Convention. 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."

The Democratic National Convention will be held August 25 to 28. Speeches and events for the first three days will be open only to credentialed Democratic delegates, volunteers, reporters and other invited guests.

A special block of "Community" credentials will be reserved for Colorado residents for Thursday night's program at INVESCO Field, convention organizers said. Details about how to sign up and receive a "Community Credential" for the last night of the Convention will be released in the coming weeks.

"This change in the Convention program will allow thousands of first-time participants a chance to take part," said Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, a convention co-chair. "I can't think of a better Convention finale for our nominee who has made reaching out to voters a hallmark of his campaign."