Grant Park is set to host one of the biggest parties it has ever seen. More than 70,000 people are expected to cram into the fenced-off area for Barack Obama's Election Night rally. Mayor Daley however has invited everyone to come to the Loop even if they don't have tickets and to gather outside the designated section.
"You think I'm nuts? You think I'm not going to invite people down? This is a celebration," Daley said, according to the Chicago Tribune. "No way I'm going to tell people they should not come down and celebrate."
Daley estimates the crowd could reach one million. Talk about a commuter's nightmare.
In an effort to alleviate downtown headaches, the Building Owners and Managers Association in Chicago sent a letter to businesses in the Loop, suggesting they send their workers home by 3 p.m. on Tuesday.
Classes after 3 p.m. at nearby Columbia College have already been canceled, but other businesses—especially hotels—plan on staying open.
"If anything, hotels will be staffing up!" said Blackstone Hotel general manager Shakir Hussain.
The gates to Hutchinson Field will open at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday.
