Austin: Obama-rama Feeling as Senator Obama Rallies Austin Supporters Today

[flpoljunkie]

Obama-rama feeling as Sen. Obama rallies Austin supporters
Democratic presidential candidate pauses in Austin on Friday

By W. Gardner Selby
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Friday, February 23, 2007

Obama-rama sweeps Austin today as Democrat Barack Obama brings his 13-day-old presidential campaign to the Texas capital for a rare political do next to Town Lake.

The gates at Auditorium Shores will open at 12:30 p.m. for the 3 p.m. speech by the U.S. senator from Illinois, following a private fundraiser. The gates near Riverside Drive and South First Street might part earlier if a crowd builds. The capacity is 20,000 people.


Barack Obama supporters gathered at Threadgill's restaurant on Thursday. Mario Champion, left, and Michael Wilt got creative in anticipation of the presidential hopeful's Austin visit today.

Texans for Obama has fielded at least 16,000 online requests for tickets to the rally. A ticket is not required, spokeswoman Amy Everhart said, but it could ease entry.

"To get a good spot close to the stage, they need to get there as early as they can," Everhart said. "Anybody against the stage will get to shake hands with him."

Obama, 45, is believed to be the first presidential aspirant to rally voters at Auditorium Shores, typically home to concerts, since President Reagan did in July 1984.

http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/02/23/23obama.html

[flpoljunkie]

1. ABC's The Note expects "very big" crowd today in Austin. Also links to texansforobama.com

Wait to see just how big a crowd Barack Obama draws in Austin, Texas today. Note prediction: very big.

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/TheNote/story?id=156238

February 23, 2007

The Obama countdown continues...

We expect up to 10,000 supporters today at Auditorium Shores. Let's be sure to give Sen. Obama a big Texas welcome!

This will be the biggest political rally in recent Texas history, so please show up early to avoid the rush. Gates open at 12:30pm, rain or shine (but we don't expect rain until late tonight). The program begins at 2:00pm, and Sen. Obama will speak at 2:45pm. Please show up early to avoid the long lines!

http://www.texansforobama.com/

[Javaman]

2. I work right across the street from Auditorium shores, I'll be there!!! nt

[flpoljunkie]

3. Will you be giving us a first hand report, Javaman?

[Javaman]

4. As soon as I get back :) nt