Fitting nearly 2,500 delegates on the convention floor for the Republican National Convention in Cleveland is no small task — and there is a method to the madness, according to party operatives.
- Florida delegates are amazed how convention unfolded
- Quicken Loans areana, where the convention hall is, is also home to games, concerts
“It’s a combination of factors. Obviously we have some delegations that are significantly larger than others. We have to take those considerations into place when we’re trying to squeeze so many people in a small area," said Alee Lockman, the RNC director of Regional Media.
Lockman said both the RNC and convention organizers play a role in determining which delegation will sit where.
“We also want to make sure that states like our host state, Ohio, have fairly close access to everything that’s going on on the convention stage. They’ve been tremendous hosts over the past year and a half that we’ve been planning for this convention," she said.
While the large New York delegation takes up prime real estate, sitting front and center on the convention floor, the Florida delegation, too, has a good vantage point.
“You can’t beat this. We’re on row 10," said Clint Pate, a Florida delegate from Jackson County.
“Maybe it’s because Donald Trump has a home in Florida, I have no idea," laughed Gay Gaines, a Florida delegate from Palm Beach.
Crews had little time to craft the modern stage, suspend massive plasma TVs and lay out thousands of chairs in neat rows.
“We had just four weeks to actually turn around the Quicken Loans arena, from a basketball area to a convention hall," said Lockman. "It was a quick turnaround time, but we got it done. It looks great and people are so excited to be here.”
Whatever the reason for the special spot, Florida delegate Robin Bernstein said the Sunshine State plays a critical role.
“Florida is really important to electing Donald Trump and we’re going to do everything we can to make sure that man gets elected," she said.