Obama's Thursday Speech Moved Indoors
CHARLOTTE—Multiple media outlets are reporting that President Obama's Thursday night speech is being moved from Bank of America Stadium to the cramped confines of the Time Warner Cable Arena because of the possibility of inclement weather.
Obama had planned to accept his party's nomination in an outdoor football stadium before a crowd of up to 74,000 people. But Obama officials said forecasters have predicted severe thunderstorms Thursday in the 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. hour, raising concerns about the safety of supporters, volunteers, staff members and law enforcement.
Officials said Thursday's entire program would be moved indoors, including Vice President Joe Biden's speech. The events will be held at the Time Warner Cable Arena, the site of the first two days of the convention proceedings.
The move will significantly reduce the number of people Obama will speak to in person. The set-up in the arena can accommodate 21,000 people.
Republicans speculated that the Obama campaign is moving indoors because they were concerned about filling the large football stadium.