DEMOCRATS
THROW OPEN DOORS OF CONVENTION,
OBAMA
TO ACCEPT PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION ON
CLOSING
NIGHT OF 2008 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION
IN
FRONT OF A CROWD OF MORE THAN 75,000
Final
Day of Convention Program to Move to Denver's INVESCO Field at Mile High
DENVER - Breaking the mold of traditional political
Conventions, the Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) today
announced that Senator Barack Obama will accept the Democratic
nomination for President of the United States at Denver's
INVESCO Field at Mile High.
INVESCO Field can accommodate more
than 75,000 people and will be the site of the 2008 Democratic
Convention's final day of programming on Thursday, August 28, 2008.
"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 Governor Howard Dean, Chairman of the
Democratic National Committee (DNC). "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."
"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."
"When we said we wanted to 'bring down the walls,' open up this
Convention like never before and truly speak to the American people, we
meant it," said Leah D. Daughtry, CEO of the DNCC. "On August 28, we
will offer grassroots Democrats, who have turned out in record numbers
this year, the opportunity to witness history shoulder to shoulder with
thousands of Americans standing up for the change our country
desperately needs."
"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."
Primetime Convention activities Monday, August 25 through Wednesday,
August 27 will continue to be held at the Pepsi Center. The final day
of the Convention on Thursday, August 28, including the nomination
acceptance speech of Senator Barack Obama, will be held at
INVESCO Field at Mile High, also
located in downtown Denver. Daytime Convention events, including
meetings of the Democratic caucuses and councils will continue to be
held at the Colorado Convention Center.
The DNCC announced today that a special block of "Community"
credentials will be reserved for Colorado residents for Thursday
night's program at
INVESCO
Field. 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 is the type of Convention people will want to experience together
with family, friends and neighbors, and we hope this move enables
thousands of Americans to come together, experience history and put
Senator Obama on the path to victory in November," Daughtry added.
###
PRESS
RELEASE from 2008 Republican National Convention
Statement on the Democrats' Decision to Change Venue on the Last Night
of the Convention
Monday, July 07, 2008
Today, Matt
Burns, Director of Communications for the 2008 Republican National
Convention, released the following statement:
"Not surprisingly, Senator Obama and his
fellow Democrats are more focused on stagecraft and theatrics than
providing real solutions to the challenges facing our nation. A change
of venue for a speech isn't the kind of change the American people
deserve or expect - and that's why we're confident the next President
of the United States will be nominated at the Xcel Energy Center in St.
Paul."