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DNC 2008
The moment our city has been waiting for is finally here — one hundred years in the making. Denverites, especially those of us living and working downtown, are bracing for the impact of 50,000 to 100,000 people storming the gates of our rapidly beautifying city. We at Denver Magazine will be here through it all, braving the storm of the DNC, bringing you insight into the week's events. We've spread ourselves thin covering delegate life (see: Scott Bergstrom's and Brian Melton's daily blogs from the convention floor), festival life (see: Tent State University's Music Festival to End the War) and local life (see: Speer and I-25 road closures and excursions for those of you looking to head for the hills). Below, our guide to enjoying all the hectic activities that a once-in-a-lifetime event like the DNC brings.
Gavel Times for the Democratic National Convention
So let's say you've scored yourself a ticket to the hottest show this side of Beijing (we did, through various arm twistings and palm greasings). The convention schedule was finally announced Tuesday morning for the Pepsi Center Events, which will kick off Monday at 3 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 25: One Nation
The opening night of the convention is said to be a tribute to Barack Obama, an evening of highlights from the Senator's life, culminating in the headline speech from Michelle Obama. Other speakers throughout the evening include Speaker of the House Nanci Pelosi, Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, Michelle Obama's older brother and a bunch of other people that Sen. Obama knows from Illinois.
Tuesday, Aug. 26: Renewing America's Promise
Senator Hillary Clinton will be the headlining speaker for Tuesday evening's DNC events in an effort to restore America's faith in the economic policies of our government. Featuring 10 governors from across the country and the former Secretary of Energy and Transportation Federico Peña (yes, our Federico Peña of Peña Boulevard fame), Tuesday will be an explanation of all the reasons we should feel confident about the future of American economics.
Wednesday, Aug. 27: Securing America's Future
Forget the title of this day's event; the third night of the DNC will be focused on the headlining speech of Barack Obama's vice presidential nominee. All sources point to Obama's Saturday speech in Illinois as the platform in which he will announce his running mate, but Wednesday evening will be when the potential VP candidate will speak to the delegates. Oh, and Former President Bill Clinton will also speak to the delegation about America's struggling foreign diplomacy.
Thursday, Aug. 28: Change You Can Believe In
It's a scalper's dream night on Thursday as the party moves to Invesco Field for Barack Obama's highly anticipated acceptance speech. 55,000 tickets were released to the public, and although DNC organizers are trying to prevent their acquisition by sites such as ebay.com to keep the golden tickets in lottery winners' hands, we're sure you can pick one up if you're willing to shell out some serious cash (admit it, you're trying to sell your pair right now, aren't you?). As of Newsletter release time, additional details were unavailable, but we hear our current Governor Bill Ritter will snag a little air time as he plays opener to the most sought-after headlining act in Denver history.
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Road Closures
Despite attempts by the DNC Committee and the Mayor's Office to assure Denver citizens that their city will still be "open for business," we know it will take a miracle (see Moses and the parting of the Red Sea for more info), to get around town. On Thursday, in preparation for Obama's acceptance speech, CDOT will close a 5.5-mile stretch of I-25 from I-70 to the interchange with 6th Avenue. Add that to the myriad closures already scheduled for Speer and Colfax, and we're looking at commutes the likes of which we've never seen. Bring a snack and something to read. This could get ugly.
For more information, maps and alternate routes, visit dot.state.co.us.
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Beaver Creek
So you've decided to get the heck out of dodge during the week of the DNC. You've rented out your apartment to some wayward delegate for an obscene amount of cash and are looking to blow that dough on a pampering. May we suggest Beaver Creek as your destination? The Park Hyatt's Allegria Spa, a European-style luxury retreat, is offering an amazing pamper package to soothe your DNC woes. Relax in the Aqua Santias Water Sanctuary, where hot pools filled with juniper and wildflower salts will ease the tension you might be feeling about that DNC stranger in your living room. Enjoy a $320 Allegria spa credit, $100 food and beverage credit and a savory amenity upon arrival. Just tell them we sent you.
Located in the Park Hyatt in Beaver Creek
50 W. Thomas Pl., Avon
970.748.7500
allegriaspa.com
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Destination, Dialog:City
For those of you not headed far from your Cap Hill residence during the week, may we suggest a little art with your convention entertainment. Denver is taking the Democratic National Convention to new artistic heights by inviting 12 award-winning artists to display innovative one-of-a-kind art in neighborhoods throughout the city. Unique and interactive site-specific works by Minsuk Cho, Charlie Cannon, DJ Spooky and Lynn Hershman will attempt to open a dialog between Denver citizens about the cultural problems facing our world today. An opening reception for the Dialog:City artists as well as 16 renowned local artists will be held at the Robischon Gallery Thursday evening to kick off the event.
Exhibitions are open to the public beginning Thursday, Aug. 21 and will continue through Tuesday, Aug. 29. Visit dialogcity.org for event times and locations.
Thursday, Aug. 21, 6-8 p.m.
Robischon Gallery
1740 Wazee St.
303.298.7788
robischongallery.com
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Rock Out Against War
Political conventions are always protest heavy, and the people at Tent State University are going to make sure their protest at least sounds the part. The Tent State Music Festival to End the War, put on with the Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW), will be an event of protestian proportions. Wednesday, Denver's Flobots will open for the iconic Rage Against the Machine. This is one event you won't want to miss.
Wednesday, Aug. 27. Doors open at 9:30 am. Show starts at 11 a.m.
Denver Coliseum
4600 Humboldt St.
Ticket Info: The concert is free of charge, and 10,000 tickets will be distributed in a lottery system. Sign up for the lottery, with a valid photo ID (person must be present), at Tent State University at Cuernavaca Park between 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. (look for the Tent State Music Festival booth near the IVAW Tower) Sunday, August 24. Pick up your tickets at "will call" on Wednesday morning at 9:30 a.m. Any tickets not redeemed by noon will be given to people waiting outside the Coliseum.
tentstate.org |
Sexy, Shirtless Firefighters!
Round up your girlfriends and head to Beta in LoDo to find out who made the cut for this year's Colorado Firefighter Calendar. Men and women from across the state competed in April for their chance to be featured on a page in the calendar, so the debut party is sure to heat up everyone's night. The Colorado Firefighter Calendar is produced by Fired Up For Kids, a nonprofit organization that supports Colorado firefighters and The Children's Hospital. Proceeds from the calendar sales and events go directly to The Children's Hospital Burn Center.
Email: newsletter@denvermagazine.com to win two VIP tickets.
Beta Nightclub
1909 Blake St.
Friday, August 22, 6:30 p.m, VIP, 8 p.m, General Admission
Tickets: General Admission $35, VIP $75. VIP includes a 2009 calendar, private firefighter signing, complimentary food and two drinks.
Find tickets at firedupforkids.org.
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