Campaign '08

DENVER (CBS) ― With 7 weeks left until the start of the Democratic National Convention in Denver, the convention committee confirmed Monday morning that Barack Obama will accept the party's nomination at Invesco Field Aug. 28. The arena can seat more than 76,000 people.

Obama will deliver his acceptance speech at the football stadium on the Thursday night of the convention instead of at Pepsi Center - which can seat 21,000 - where the rest of the week's primetime events are scheduled, reported CBS station KCNC-TV in Denver.

The Democrats will also start moving into the Pepsi Center Monday morning.

"Senator Obama and the DNCC have truly brought the community into the Convention," said Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter in a prepared statement. "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."

The Democratic National Convention Committee said all of Thursday night's primetime events, including Obama's speech, will happen at Mile High.

"It gives him a chance to pack the audience and have not just Democratic convention goers, Democratic stalwarts, but regular swing voters, particularly with Colorado being a key swing state, it's a particularly good opportunity," said David Mark, a Senior Editor for Politico.com.

The speech will be delivered on the 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech.

"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 Gov. Howard Dean, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, in a prepared statement. "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."

The DNCC announced Monday 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.

"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 in a prepared statement. "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."

Back at the Pepsi Center, signs are posted to let visitors know summer tours of the facility have been canceled through mid-September.

The DNCC will start moving in 300,000 pounds of lights and speakers this week.

The transformation of the arena into a political stage will not begin until next week.

Jenni Engebretsen, Deputy CEO for the Democratic National Convention Committee said the DNCC is ready for anything and that everything is moving forward despite concerns about funding.

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