2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland: Everything You Need to Know

This year, the Republican National Convention comes back to Cleveland, Ohio for the first time in decades. So what should visitors and citizens of the city know about the RNC?

Who, What, When, Where and Why:

Every primary has led up to the 2016 Republican National Convention, where the party officially nominates a candidate for president and vice president. This year, 2,470 delegates (along with 2,302 alternate delegates) from around the nation will convene in Cleveland to cast their votes.

The RNC will occur between July 18-21, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Downtown Cleveland. This is the 41st RNC and the first in Cleveland since 1936.

Who Are the Big Players?

Donald Trump’s improbable rise has been the big story this election season. The red-faced phenomenon has captured headlines with his polarizing discourse and violence at his rallies. He's also captured the most delegates so far with 680.

Ted Cruz, the current junior United States Senator from Texas, is the ultra-conservative front runner for the Tea Party vote. With a very staunch religious rhetoric, he's managed to pull in 424 delegates for his crusade.

Governor John Kasich has surged in recent days by winning his home state of Ohio. Taking on a comparatively moderate approach with his policies, Kasich has picked up 143 delegates. Kasich's best bet at the nomination is a contested or brokered convention.

What is a Contested or Brokered Convention?

If no candidate captures a simple majority of delegates, or 1,237 in total, then it's officially a contested convention. A vote will take place in which a handful of delegates won’t be required to vote in-line with their state’s primary results; they’ll personally vote however they please. With the race being so divisive and tight, this is a definite possibility.

If a candidate still cannot capture enough votes, then it’s officially a brokered convention. More delegates will be unbound from voting for their constituent’s choice. If the vote fails again, another bunch of delegates are released. This process continues until a candidate is chosen.

Can I Attend the Convention?

The general public cannot attend the RNC. This is the same for the Democratic National Convention. However, there will be around 1,200 ancillary events around the city open to the public. The schedule of events and speakers is still being finalized.

There are other ways to attend, such as being a delegate, being apart of the media, working as a volunteer or becoming a supplier or vendor.

So How Can I Get Involved?

If you're interested in volunteering with the 2016 Republican National Convention, you can fill out a form on the official GOP Convention website.

And if you want to become a vendor or supplier, head on over to Cleveland's Host Committee website to register for the Northeast Ohio supplier guide or explore sponsorship packages.

How Many People will Attend the RNC?

Both the RNC and Cleveland Host Committee estimate an influx of 50,000 people into the city during the proceedings. This includes the 4,772 delegates, 15,000 credentialed media, and a host of technical staff, logistical staff, security, lobbyists, dignitaries and transportation personnel among others.

How Does the RNC Effect Cleveland?

Ideally, hosting the RNC will give the city both short-term and long-term economic boosts. According to Cleveland's Host Committee, the 2012 RNC in Tampa had more than $200 million in direct spending. The region also benefits from national exposure to potential investors, residents and visitors.

What If I Live and Work Downtown?

Like State of the Union speeches and the Super Bowl, the RNC is a National Special Security Event. This means Secret Service and other federal agencies will designate security zones around the Quicken Loans Arena that require specific credentials to access.

Secret Service will not release a definitive security zone protocol until very close to the start of the convention, so there are no details of how parking and businesses will be affected. Until that time, the Host Committee recommends taking a business-as-usual approach, but it's fair to imagine some downtown businesses will be affected.

Some restaurants in the area — like Red, the Steakhouse — will likely close to host private events.

It's also reasonable to expect delays at the FirstMerit Convention Center, which will serve as a media center during the convention, as well as the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

What's Happening With Public Transit and Traffic?

Again, specifics are dependent on the security grid, which hasn’t been released yet. However, access to the Gateway District — the location of the Quicken Loans Arena — will likely be prohibited or limited.

There will undoubtedly be increased traffic before, during and after the Convention. Guests will most likely take advantage of Uber, Lyft, taxis and rental car services.

The Regional Transit Authority (RTA) is guaranteed to be used extensively, as the Cleveland Host Committee is encouraging use from Hopkins International Airport to downtown hotels. Also, security zones may result in detours on some routes. However, the RTA will be operating enhanced services for at least rail, the HealthLine and downtown trolleys. The Committee actually encourages commuters to use the RTA during the convention, as it will ease congestion.

What About Parking?

If you park in a paid service lot, its availability will be contingent on the security zone. For the Convention, parking is still hazy, but it’s safe to say it will come at a cost. Parking garages seem to be the best option as of now.

And Hotels?

According to the Cleveland Host Committee, nearly all hotel rooms in Northeast Ohio have been booked. The Committee contracted more than 16,000 hotel rooms. However, apartments and dorm units will likely be available periodically up until the Convention.

Photo courtesy of Erik Drost under Creative Commons