CNN will host a public watch party of its Election Night coverage in Chicago, offering a more accessible alternative to the president’s ticketed event at McCormick Place.

The news network announced Monday night that it will put up the “largest screen in the city” at the Thompson Center plaza in the Loop. CNN’s Election Night programming starts at 3 p.m.

CNN’s free viewing provides some relief for Obama supporters who were not able to secure tickets for the campaign’s Election Night gathering at McCormick Place. Those tickets are being handed out to diehard volunteers and long-time backers.

— Patrick Svitek