Dems move Obama nomination outdoors

DENVER, July 7 (UPI) -- Likely Democratic U.S. presidential nominee Barack Obama will accept the nomination outdoors in a 75,000-seat downtown Denver stadium, party officials say.

The final night of the 2008 Democratic National Convention, Aug. 28, will be moved from an indoor arena venue to the outdoor Invesco Field at Mile High, the home of the National Football League's Denver Broncos. The move was made to allow more people to watch Obama's nomination and acceptance speech, Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean said Monday.

"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," he said. "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."

Party officials said convention activities from Aug. 25-27 will be held as planned at the Pepsi Center, also in downtown Denver.