Barack Obama Likely To Accept Nomination at Invesco Field

by Todd Beeton, Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 12:36:57 PM EST

Yesterday The AP confirmed the news that DemConWatch had first reported: that Barack Obama might give his acceptance speech at Denver's Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium, which is where the Denver Broncos play, rather than the Pepsi Center, the site of the convention itself. The reason: the Pepsi Center holds 21,000 people, Invesco Field holds 76,000 plus. The move would actually not be unprecedented. As The Denver Post reminds us, JFK did the very same thing:

In 1960, the Democratic National Convention was held at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena. But nominee John F. Kennedy delivered his acceptance speech next door at the Memorial Coliseum.

Today DemConWatch blog is reporting that it's looking like a done deal.

From Denver's 9 News:

NBC officials involved with convention coverage preparations tell 9NEWS that all indications are that the event will be held at Invesco. Those officials stressed that the move was not official until the DNC makes its final decision which is not expected until at least Monday.

This would be a great move. In 2004 I had a media credential to the convention but we were shut out of The Fleet Center for the final night because of the sheer numbers of people who showed up. Not only would everyone with a credential be able to actually see Barack accept the nomination, but thousands of supporters could share the historic event as well.

[editor's note, by Todd Beeton]Slightly edited to give credit to DemConWatch, which was on this story first and should be stop number one for all things convention-related.




Tags: 2008 presidential election, barack obama, democratic convention (all tags)

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I like this article (2.00 / 2)

From 9 News just because it gives some props to one of our own:

News of the potential relocation of the key event was first mentioned on the DemConWatch blog at http://www.demconwatchblog.com/.


New Mexico politics from the local perspective.
by fbihop on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 12:45:28 PM EST

Re: I like this article (none / 0)

Thank you! I'm glad at least our local news is acknowledging us.


by Oreo on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 01:14:30 PM EST
[ Parent ]

this would be great (2.00 / 2)


John McCain is a Bush ally on Social Security.
by John DE on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 12:50:07 PM EST

I love the idea too. (2.00 / 1)

If the Dem convention itself wouldn't provide enough spectacle, this totally would. The GOP will play it off as cultlike. Let them. It will make for HUGE ratings. I just hope that they can easily get enough people to show up since school will be in session. That said, it's towards the end of the week before a Labor Day break, so probably a lot of students that would blow off a day or two.

I also wonder about the security. Is this safe? Could they effectively patrol that whole stadium?

I suppose that they do plenty of security detail for the Superbowl, though. Event security for the stadium that have been vetted pretty thoroughly + Secret Service members + Denver police would probably be able to handle it.


If you're being chased by an angry bull and then you notice you're also being chased by a swarm of bees, it doesn't really change things. Just keep on running.
by vcalzone on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 12:59:34 PM EST

Re: I love the idea too. (2.00 / 1)

I wouldn't think security would be a problem. Like you said they manage ok with huge sporting events like the Superbowl et al. I think it is very cool. Don't think the whole JFK thing can hurt either. They are kinda similar in that people see in them what they want to see. Playing both sides of an issue is very Kennedyesque. The positive thing is when Kennedy stood up for something he put everything behind it and wasn't afraid to make the tough decisions even if sometimes he was slow to come round to them. I see similar characteristics in Barack.


by conspiracy on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 01:07:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: What about rain? (none / 0)

How do you account for that?


by Brad G on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 01:09:50 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: What about rain? (none / 0)

The same way they account for it when there is a ballgame or concert.


If you're being chased by an angry bull and then you notice you're also being chased by a swarm of bees, it doesn't really change things. Just keep on running.
by vcalzone on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 01:22:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: You can't delay a convention. (none / 0)


by Brad G on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 01:32:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: You can't delay a convention. (none / 0)

They can delay for an hour or two. But I was referring to the ones that just go on anyway. I'm sure they have some sort of plan.


If you're being chased by an angry bull and then you notice you're also being chased by a swarm of bees, it doesn't really change things. Just keep on running.
by vcalzone on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 01:44:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

8% chance (2.00 / 1)

extrapolated from August 28ths in history.


by Bee on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 01:45:38 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Barack Obama Likely To Accept Nomination (2.00 / 1)

The only better venue would be...Lambeau Field.


by rfahey22 on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 01:03:41 PM EST

DemConWatch broke the story (none / 0)

Contrary to what some of the articles say Matt and I broke this story yesterday.

Look at the Denver Post, Rocky Mountain News and 9News.com articles about it. They all say we broke it.

Our story
http://www.demconwatchblog.com/2008/07/w ill-obama-accept-nomination-at-invesco.h tml

Denver News sources that acknowledge the original source (Unlike AP, CNN, LA Times, etc)
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/politics 16783430/detail.html

http://www.politicswest.com/democratic_n ational_convention/26547/mile_high_obama _invesco_field_may_be_venue

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/20 08/jul/03/obamas-nomination-speech-may-b e-invesco-instead-pe

http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?s toryid=95060&catid=339


by Oreo on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 01:03:59 PM EST

fantastic idea (2.00 / 1)

The contrast with McCain's acceptance of the GOP nomination will be fodder for a hundred pundit commentaries and op-ed columns.


John McCain: 100 years in Iraq "would be fine with me."
by desmoinesdem on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 01:04:39 PM EST

Re: fantastic idea (none / 0)

Maybe he can do his acceptance in front of the "garbage baggy" right field wall at the metrodome... they could paint it olive green for him! ;-)


by LordMike on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 01:16:47 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: fantastic idea (2.00 / 1)

Dude, no - outside of the bathroom stalls in the Minneapolis airport.


by rfahey22 on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 01:18:15 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: fantastic idea (2.00 / 1)

Larry Craig for VP! Who knows he might need him to win Idaho when we are thru. Yes, it could get that bad!


by conspiracy on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 01:32:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Barack Obama Likely To Accept Nomination at In (none / 0)

Great idea.  Risky, too.  Obama better fill the stadium or your going to hear the talking heads start with "Is Obama's candidacy doomed?  He couldn't fill the stadium!"


by agpc on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 01:07:04 PM EST

Re: Barack Obama Likely To Accept Nomination at In (2.00 / 1)

No chance. 76k? They'll still be turning people away. Wouldn't be surprised if there is some kind of fundraising contest for tickets to tie in with this when it becomes official.


by conspiracy on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 01:11:11 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Barack Obama Likely To Accept Nomination at In (none / 0)

They could fit 100K in there 'cos people would sit in the football field section as well...


by LordMike on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 01:17:24 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Barack Obama Likely To Accept Nomination at In (none / 0)

Yeah, but what about behind the stage?  If you've ver seen a concert in a stadium or arena, you know they have to block off some seats behind the stage.  So it won't QUITE be 76K capacity in the seats.


New Mexico politics from the local perspective.
by fbihop on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 01:56:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Barack Obama Likely To Accept Nomination at In (none / 0)

Oh, I hope they don't charge admission. That would be awful. They can make more than enough money for fundraising by selling stuff. Hell, if they make some actual items specifically for the event, those would sell out FAST.

I think they should give a certain large number of tickets out on his site to supporters in a lottery, then do the rest by people just showing up.


If you're being chased by an angry bull and then you notice you're also being chased by a swarm of bees, it doesn't really change things. Just keep on running.
by vcalzone on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 01:27:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Barack Obama Likely To Accept Nomination at In (none / 0)

Supporters lottery yes, that was what I meant. Kinda like the basketball thing in Indiana.


by conspiracy on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 01:33:44 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Question: (none / 0)

Is there a plan if it rains?


by Brad G on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 01:08:48 PM EST

Umbrellas and raincoats. (none / 0)


overthrow the government~participate
by missliberties on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 01:17:30 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Umbrellas and raincoats. (none / 0)

Touche!


by conspiracy on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 01:34:01 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Barack Obama Likely To Accept Nomination at In (2.00 / 2)

I was looking to see if anyone mentioned the anniversary before I made a comment of it.

It will be 40 years to the day of Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech. The historical relevance is spiritually moving. (and I'm not talking religion)

To have so many people come to hear Obama would reflect the tremendous strides our society has made in the last 40 years. If he actually does give his speech to a larger audience it will affirm Dr. King's profound and insightful vision.

I'd give anything to be there.


by Makey on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 01:09:11 PM EST

Re: Barack Obama Likely To Accept Nomination at In (2.00 / 2)

If he doesn't make reference to that in his acceptance speech I would be amazed. It is almost like it was meant to be. Now, November 4 is another matter entirely but we are heading in the right direction.


by conspiracy on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 01:16:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Barack Obama Likely To Accept Nomination at In (2.00 / 1)

I think this is a great idea. It allows more people to participate. If there was a venue that held three times that many people, it would fill too and even more people could be allowed to be involved. This is a candidate, a campaign and a presidency that is of, by and for the people. And, by the way, it would be a pretty good news punch just before the republican convention. McCain couldn't fill half that many seats if the people in them weren't actually delegates to the convention. A little dancin' in the streets is good for people after a hard fight and before the next part of the battle.


by Makey on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 01:09:46 PM EST

Re: Barack Obama Likely To Accept Nomination at In (none / 0)

The weather in Denver is perfect. In late Summer it's hot and dry during the day, then it usually sprinkles for about five minutes at cocktail hour, cooling everything off. The rest of the evening is comfortable and dry. Obama could model his acceptance after the opening ceremony of the Olympic games, where a sea of fans all hold a light stick etc.


by Makey on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 01:10:10 PM EST

Re: Barack Obama Likely To Accept Nomination at In (2.00 / 1)

By the way, portland and denver have the same population, so he drew 75k in portland w/o a convention. With the convention, look out, the place will be rocking.


by Makey on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 01:10:35 PM EST

Let's see McLame follow THAT! (2.00 / 1)

I'm actually looking forward to laughing at his pathetic acceptance speech more than I am to admiring Obama's.


by Beren on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 01:22:17 PM EST

Re: Let's see McLame follow THAT! (none / 0)

''My friends, that isn't change we can believe in!'' That one will go down in history but not in a good way for McCain.


by conspiracy on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 01:36:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Hahahahahaha (2.00 / 2)

It's going to be another June 3rd. Obama with a exiting, history rally and then McCain with a tiny, unenthusiastic "rally".

The contrast will be great. Fantastic move by the Obama campaign.


"Live your beliefs and you can turn the world around." --Thoreau
by Populista on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 01:29:26 PM EST

Re: Hahahahahaha (2.00 / 2)

You are failing to take into account the amazing preshow performance by the McCain Girls.


If you're being chased by an angry bull and then you notice you're also being chased by a swarm of bees, it doesn't really change things. Just keep on running.
by vcalzone on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 01:46:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

But what if it's (2.00 / 3)

raining McCain?

Then they might have to call the whole thing off.


"Live your beliefs and you can turn the world around." --Thoreau
by Populista on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 05:10:38 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Barack Obama Likely To Accept Nomination at In (2.00 / 1)

Next NRA lawsuit:

Concealed carry at Sporting Venues

(to be filed in Denver, CO ASAP!)


by xdem on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 01:47:33 PM EST

Try guns in the Airport (none / 0)

Yep, here in Atlanta the Gun nuts are all excited that they can carry loaded weapons on public Transportation and right into the airport.

just one more sickening display that there is not a conservative around who really and truly believes in security.


by monkeyga on Sat Jul 05, 2008 at 12:02:59 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Yeah... (none / 0)

That's good and all and should be nice....but his campaign right now should be more focused on message control. I've seen more "Obama, Flip-Flopper??" stories this week than ever while hardly seeing any against McCain. Yes, part of that is because the media keeps pushing McCain but still, Obama needs better message control because his "move to the center" is starting to look more and more like flip flopping in terms of media coverage.
by werd2406 on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 02:28:50 PM EST

Hopefully Obama could (2.00 / 2)

just stick to the issues this week and stay on target.

No interviews to Christian magazines, no patriotism speeches, no "refining" Iraq War policies.

Obama should just stick to bread and butter things.

What is so concerning is that McCain flip flopped this week on ANWAR drilling and LIED about saying that he said he didn't know anything about the economy yet the Obama campaign never called them on it.

The Obama campaign needs to go on offense on McCain from now on.


by puma on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 02:39:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hopefully Obama could (2.00 / 1)

Exactly what I was thinking! At times this campaign seems really good...but then you have a week like this where it just seems like no one has any idea what it's doing or how to do it.
by werd2406 on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 02:45:17 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hopefully Obama could (none / 0)

Yes, yes, HELL yes.


If you're being chased by an angry bull and then you notice you're also being chased by a swarm of bees, it doesn't really change things. Just keep on running.
by vcalzone on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 03:59:13 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Barack Obama Likely To Accept Nomination at In (none / 0)

This will be...if it plays out..a significant PR coup...

http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images /pic/AER/DENVER_22x28~Dever-Broncos-New- Invesco-Field-Posters.jpg

It seats around 75,000 in the Stands alone.
There will be NO problem filling it..
Broncos have sold out here for decades...

Count on big time Fireworks display..Big screen etc...
Ladies and Gentlemen
Boys and Girls
Children
of ALL ages..
Show Time..

The Inclusion Aspect...is the Important aspect..

Happy 4th...

Tap yer toes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXcZz5n5H I0&feature=related


"harlequin speech of suicide, demanding instantaneous lobotomy"
by nogo postal on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 02:42:58 PM EST

Where would the delegates be seated? (none / 0)

Since all 4,000 delegates and delegate alternates were elected, they deserve some sort of preferential seating.

And what about the media?

I'm not saying accepting the nod in a larger venue is not a good idea, I'm just concerned about the logistics of such a move.


by andrewalker08 on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 04:36:46 PM EST

Re: Where would the delegates be seated? (none / 0)

Obama has already had an event with 75K. I was at Columbia SC with 38K last December and it ran flawlessly.
Trust the "Organizer"
by parahammer on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 05:00:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]

This is not just some political rally... (none / 0)

...This is the Democratic National Convention; the highest authority of the Democratic Party of the United States.

If Invesco Field is to be used as a venue for an official session of the 2008 Democratic National Convention, then there are certain requirements that need to be fulfilled.


by andrewalker08 on Sat Jul 05, 2008 at 08:49:55 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: This is not just some political rally... (none / 0)

OK what are those requirements?


by parahammer on Sat Jul 05, 2008 at 09:15:31 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Just these... (none / 0)

...Pulled from page 7 of the Call for the 2008 Democratic National Convention:

7. Communications:

a. Microphones: Each state shall be provided one (1) floor microphone which shall be located at the position of the Chair of the state delegation. Each delegate shall have access to the microphone.

b. Telephones: Adequate provisions shall be made for communication between the floor and the Chair of the Convention so as to advise the Chair of the identity of any delegate seeking recognition to speak and the purpose for which recognition is sought. One (1) such telephone shall be installed for each state delegation.


by andrewalker08 on Sat Jul 05, 2008 at 02:14:47 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Just these... (none / 0)

This is his acceptance speech.
Convention specific proceedings will have been done by then.
Also there is this new thing called wireless.
I think you are overly concerned.
by parahammer on Sat Jul 05, 2008 at 02:48:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]

You forgot the biggest requirement of all... (none / 0)

...the balloons.

Where are they going to rig up all the balloons to fall down when they don't have a ceiling?


Join the Matthew 25 Network and help Democrats win the next generation of evangelicals.
by mistersite on Sat Jul 05, 2008 at 02:54:05 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Oh My (none / 0)

maybe they can hire the goodyear blimp to drop them.


by parahammer on Sat Jul 05, 2008 at 02:55:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Eh - not your problem (none / 0)

Just sit back and enjoy the show.


by Bee on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 05:01:01 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Where would the delegates be seated? (none / 0)

They get the club seats and the skyboxes... more than enough seats for them and their families!


by LordMike on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 05:28:56 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Where would the delegates be seated? (none / 0)

In seats, on the floor (cover over the grass), right in front of the podium, just as they would be in the Pepsi Center.

The press is the big issue. There are 5,000 to 10,000 of them, and they need a way to do their work from inside the stadium. One issue to think about? How do you run power lines to 5,000 seats? And you only have 5 days to do it.


Matt - DemConWatch
by msn1 on Fri Jul 04, 2008 at 09:39:15 PM EST
[ Parent ]

The Obama campaign should open it (none / 0)

to anybody who wants tickets throughout the country.  

There will be definitely 75,000 people throughout the country who would want to attend this HISTORICAL event.

I would fly out and attend this event if it was open to the public and I live in California.


by puma on Sat Jul 05, 2008 at 01:17:56 PM EST

Re: Barack Obama Likely To Accept (none / 0)

This would be overwhelming. It would be unreal.


by rikyrah on Sat Jul 05, 2008 at 10:06:04 PM EST

Re: Barack Obama Likely To Accept Nomination at In (none / 0)

My read of how the Obama campaign operates is that this is more about "winning Colorado in November" than the optics of his acceptance speech. They've now got a great chance to bring tens of thousands of people into their organization in Colorado, and expose tens of thousands to him directly.


by blueflorida on Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 11:41:08 AM EST


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