I signed up for notification for a ticket to go to this rally, weather notwithstanding.
James Janega and John McCormick write:
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama’s campaign Tuesday offered online applications to Illinois supporters to attend an Election Night rally in Grant Park, as Chicago officials gave every indication they were bracing for an enormous turnout.
The decision to limit tickets to Illinois residents—at least so far—reflects a desire among campaign officials to pack in a raucous crowd while also limiting the rally’s potential for leeching campaign volunteers from voting battlegrounds in Indiana and Wisconsin.
City planners face their own balancing act: a desire to showcase Chicago as inclusive, while also making sure that the presidential candidate and the attendees are safe.
“That night will be a celebration, and we are asking the families and everybody to come together. And of course security is very important whether it’s a presidential candidate or any grouping you have for the people,” Mayor Richard Daley told reporters. “This is going to be a night of celebration. You can feel it in the air.”
Last week, the city said the south end of Grant Park can hold up to 70,000 people.
On Tuesday, Daley said he expected an overflow crowd of up to a million.
and looks like I cannot bring my standard camera bag with other lenses. I’d like to bring both a wide angle lens and my fastest lens, a 50mm prime lens.
It appears that people attending the rally will need to pass through metal detectors to gain entry, similar to going through security at the airport.
The Obama campaign’s invitation required photo IDs and prohibited bags, signs, banners, chairs and strollers.
The electronic invitation for next week’s rally, sent exclusively to Illinois supporters, says gates will open at 8:30 p.m., well after the end of the downtown rush hour. After providing a Web address for ticket applications, the invitation states that “an official printed ticket is required for entrance” and that each ticket will be valid for two people.
Doesn’t look like there are any tickets left either. Want to buy mine? Leave a compelling reason/offer in the comment field, and we’ll see.
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Update: election day. Unless somebody makes an insane offer, we’re using the tickets.
Hello,
I will take your ticket if it is still available please e-mail– megumis2@gmail.com
Thanks!
-Zoe Naugler
I am a huge supporter. I worked on his Senate campaign and made calls for this campaign. However, with three kids and computer issues, I missed the boat on the tickets but would really like to go. I will be on a train tonight to Grant Park with or without a ticket. I will ask to enter the park with someone who is going in solo if I need to. Pretty please, may I have the ticket?
Sally