You must sign up to attend Obama rally

Barack Obama's campaign started a waiting list Tuesday for tickets to his historic Election Night rally, which Chicago officials say could draw 1 million supporters.

Those hoping to land a spot at Hutchinson Field in Grant Park must sign up at Obama's Web site and then wait for the ticket to arrive via e-mail. There is no guarantee signing up will result in receiving a ticket.

The official site can hold up to 70,000, and gates are set to open at 8:30 p.m., well after polls close.

Daley told reporters Tuesday he expected as many as 1 million people to show up in the Grant Park area outside the official event, about the same amount the city hosts for Fourth of July fireworks on the lakefront.

"It's going to be surprising, there are going to be a lot of people who want to come down to celebrate, yes there will be (a million) we hope it's a million or more, that's realistic." Daley said. "It's going to be wonderful."

City officials say they are prepared for the massive crowds.

"We are deploying some proven strategies from past events in Chicago and across the nation," said Jennifer Martinez, spokeswoman for the city's emergency management department.

Obama has drawn large rallies before, but a turnout of 1 million would be unprecedented.

Illinois' junior senator drew more than 80,000 to Invesco Field in Denver for his nomination, more than 250,000 to a rally in Germany and most recently more than 100,000 to stops in Colorado and St. Louis.

Chicago officials estimate the gala will cost more than $2 million for added security, traffic direction and sanitation. Obama's campaign has agreed to pay the bill.

ABC 7 Chicago reported city officials were urging downtown businesses to let workers out early Tuesday to help ease congestion.

Tickets for Tuesday night are free.

For security reasons, the Obama campaign has placed a number of restrictions on attendees at Hutchinson Field. Photo identification will be required. No bags, signs, banners, chairs or strollers are allowed.

Obama's events usually require attendees to be screened by metal detectors, creating long lines that form hours in advance.

bull; Daily Herald news services contributed to this report.