Here's How To Get Into Obama's Farewell Speech In Chicago Next Week

By Stephen Gossett in News on Jan 2, 2017 3:41PM

Obama speaks at McCormick Place. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

The White House on Monday morning confirmed a late-December report that President Barack Obama will deliver his farewell speech in Chicago and offered a few details about the event. The goodbye speech will take place Jan. 10 at 5 p.m. CST at the McCormick Place convention center, near Lake Michigan.

In the email to his supporters, Obama said he is just “just beginning” to write remarks. “But I'm thinking about them as a chance to say thank you for this amazing journey, to celebrate the ways you've changed this country for the better these past eight years, and to offer some thoughts on where we all go from here.”

Aside from thanking supporters in the city where Obama cut his political teeth—and forged his sense of self—the speech will presumably allow the outgoing president the stage to defend his legacy, a mere ten days ahead of Donald Trump’s swearing in.

All attendees must have a ticket to enter. Tickets are free but, so far, will only be available during a distribution at McCormick Place on Saturday, Jan. 7. Tickets are one per person and first-come-first-served. Info is available here and will likely be updated as the event nears. Anyone unable to attend can stream the speech at wh.gov/Farewell or on www.Facebook.com/WhiteHouse.

McCormick Place also served as the site for Obama's second-term election victory rally in 2012.

Obama's full letter is printed below:

"In 1796, as George Washington set the precedent for a peaceful, democratic transfer of power, he also set a precedent by penning a farewell address to the American people. And over the 220 years since, many American presidents have followed his lead.

On Tuesday, January 10, I'll go home to Chicago to say my grateful farewell to you, even if you can't be there in person.

I'm just beginning to write my remarks. But I'm thinking about them as a chance to say thank you for this amazing journey, to celebrate the ways you've changed this country for the better these past eight years, and to offer some thoughts on where we all go from here.

Since 2009, we've faced our fair share of challenges, and come through them stronger. That's because we have never let go of a belief that has guided us ever since our founding—our conviction that, together, we can change this country for the better.

So I hope you'll join me one last time.

Because, for me, it's always been about you."