Visitors, delegates, alternative delegates and members of the media combined, around 70,000 people are expected to make appearances in Cleveland, Ohio, this week for the Republican National Convention.
The convention will take place at the Quicken Loans Arena from Monday through Thursday, its goal being to officially name a nominee for the 2016 presidential election and establish GOP party platforms and rules.
Since presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is the only GOP candidate left in the race, he’s expected to be named during the convention. He recently appointed Indiana Gov. Mike Pence as his running mate and vice presidential candidate.
After his stance on a controversial abortion bill in Indiana and last year’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act, Pence has faced his fair share of criticism in the past couple of years. His nomination by Trump was met with a wave of disapproval by the Indiana Democratic Party and Democrats across the United States.
Sixty-two speakers are expected to make presentations throughout the week, according to the RNC’s website. They include high-profile names like Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, Ivanka Trump and other members of Trump’s family and several governors and members of the U.S. Senate.
Former speaker of the house Newt Gingrich and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who were both rumored to have been considered highly by Trump as possible VP picks, are both on the speaker list. Former presidential candidate and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz will also speak.
This is the third time the RNC will be in Cleveland and the fourth time it will take place in Ohio, according to the convention’s website. The earliest convention that took place in Cleveland was in 1924, and the last time GOP candidates flocked to the state for a presidential election was in Cincinnati in 1976.
Between the Quicken Loans Arena and Progressive Field in Cleveland is an open air space known as Freedom Plaza, which convention organizers have set up as a “Salute to America” for the week.
According to a release from the RNC on July 12, the area will be a gathering space providing traditional cuisine and music from the southern, eastern, western and Midwestern parts of the country. Food tents will provide everything from local beers and wines to traditional New England lobster salad, southern grits and Midwestern pierogis.
The Swon Brothers, Hope Country, Super Diamond, Dave Fenley and the Sensations are all musical groups slated to provide entertainment throughout the week.
The RNC also has a phone app available for both iOS and Android devices designed to make the convention experience easier for visitors with maps, schedules and a live stream.
More information on the convention can be found at convention.gop.
Anicka Slachta
