Oct 15, 2008 5:20 pm US/Central
Obama Election Night Party Likely In Grant Park
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) speaks during a rally at Progress Plaza on Oct. 11, 2008, in Philadelphia, Pa. (File)
Jeff Fusco/Getty Images
It's not a done deal yet, but all indications are that campaign officials are leaning toward Hutchinson Field on the south end of Grant Park as the site of their election night party.
The field is home to softball diamonds, the popular summer Lollapalooza music festival and was the site of the mass Pope John Paul held in Chicago nearly 30 years ago.
If Grant Park is chosen as the venue, it would not be the first big outdoor event for Obama. He announced his presidential run outside the old state capitol in Springfield on a very cold day last February and gave his nomination acceptance speech at Denver's Mile High Stadium.
CBS 2 first reported last month that Grant Park was on Obama campaign officials' shortlist. They tentatively decided on it late last week. The negotiations with the city and park district have begun. Security arrangements are reportedly starting to take shape, and Mayor Richard M. Daley reportedly said it was a great idea.
The record low for Nov. 4 in Chicago is 15 degrees. CBS 2 Chief Correspondent Jay Levine asked Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce President Jerry Roper what he anticipated for the night.
"Weather's never a problem Chicago. We know how to handle it," Roper said. "And there'll be a lot of warmth that night, if indeed it does take place in Grant Park."
Roper added that the event would be a "huge economic boost for our city."
"People have been following Barack Obama around the world, and the world will have their eyes on Chicago that evening," Roper said. "With the Pope's visit from 30 years ago, to Lollapalooza, this city knows how to handle big events. … We're prepared."
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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