Oct 24, 2008 6:21 pm US/Central
Area Businesses Expecting Election Night Windfall
Barack Obama's Big Party To Draw Thousands To Chicago
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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Workers are installing phone lines and temporary structures in preparation for Barack Obama's election night party in Grant Park.
CBS
A lot has been made about the $2 million price tag for the election night party in Grant Park for Barack Obama. On the flip-side, though, the history-in-the making event is expected to do big things for Chicago's local economy.
CBS 2's Dorothy Tucker reports businesses are gearing up.
"Because of our location it's going to be wall to wall people here," said Hilton Hotel General Manager John Wells.
The location, the lakeside Green Bar, is just minutes from Grant Park where the Obama rally will be held on Hutchinson Field election night. The Hilton is already sold out for November 4 – all 1,500 rooms, every suite, every ballroom.
And Shakir Hussaim, general manager of the Blackstone Hotel, said he has also seen a huge jump in reservations. The Blackstone is now completely booked for election night. And their signature restaurant is closed for a private party connected to the campaign.
"It'll definitely bring additional revenue that would not have come on that evening to us," Hussaim said.
Many of the businesses near the park expect additional revenues. More than 100,000 people are expected to attend the rally. The Chicago Chamber of Commerce estimates they'll spend $3 to $4 million on parking, hotels, and restaurants. Those who come early may spend more money at stores like the Chicago Architecture Foundation.
"A lot of Europeans, people from Asia are very interested in Obama so we're expecting our locals as well as people from out of town," said Susan Ross of the Chicago Architecture Foundation.
All those people have to eat. They're already booking reservations at area restaurants where they can watch election returns on television.
"Once the polls close we'll have extra bartenders on," said Peter deCaspro of Tavern on the Park. "I think they'll be a pretty happy mood assuming it's the results that all of Chicago wants."
Of the thousands who are expected to attend the rally, a good number will be members of the press. Hotel managers say they've already taken reservations from reporters around the country and in from foreign countries that include Italy, England, France and Germany.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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