The Republican National Convention is coming to Milwaukee. Here's when it is, where it is and what it's all about.
You've probably heard by now that Milwaukee is hosting the Republican National Convention.
But maybe you've been afraid to ask: What exactly is the RNC? When is it? Where is it? Who will be there? How will your daily life in the city be affected?
The event is rapidly approaching, and some things have been set in stone, like the security perimeter. Other things are still unknown, like the exact convention schedule.
Here's what to know:
What is the Republican National Convention?
The Republican National Convention is a multiday event at which delegates will officially select the party's nominees for president and vice president.
When is the RNC in Milwaukee?
The RNC begins July 15 and ends July 18.
Where will the RNC be held?
Fiserv Forum, home of the Milwaukee Bucks, is the main venue for the RNC. That's also where the first Republican debate was held in August. Thousands of delegates will gather there to hear the big speeches.
The nearby University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Panther Arena and the Baird Center will also be used as spaces for the event.
What's the other RNC?
You might also hear references to another RNC: the Republican National Committee. That's the body that organizes the convention, develops the party platform and helps Republican candidates run their campaigns.
Where is the DNC?
While we're on the topic, the Democratic National Convention will be held in Chicago — less than 100 miles south of the RNC — from Aug. 19 to Aug. 22.
Will the RNC spill into other cities?
The convention will extend far beyond that stretch of buildings along Vel R. Phillips Avenue. The security perimeter which restricts access takes up a much larger area.
Delegates are expected to stay in hotels in Milwaukee, but also Wauwatosa, Brookfield, Racine, Kenosha, Lake Geneva, the Sheboygan area and even as far west as Madison.
State lawmakers planned ahead for that radius: 14 counties will be allowed to keep bars open until 4 a.m. during the convention, though some communities may opt out.
What happens at the RNC?
While the frontrunner for president usually isn't a surprise by the time conventions roll around nowadays, delegates from all the states and territories formally nominate the ticket at the convention.
The event normally ends with acceptance speeches from nominees. Other politicians give speeches throughout the event.
The convention is also where parties conduct business, such as putting together their platform. The GOP didn't adopt a new one in 2020, but may do so this year, new Republican National Committee co-chair Lara Trump told the Journal Sentinel.
More: We know Trump will be the RNC nominee, but here's why conventions are still important
Who will be the nominee?
Former President Donald Trump is all but certain to be the party's nominee. What's still unclear is whether Trump will announce his running mate at the convention — as he's hinted he will — or a few days before.
Some Republicans may sit out the convention with Trump as the nominee — including former House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin. Former U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher, who left Congress early, also didn't commit to attending.
More: 2024 Republican National Convention starts taking shape inside Fiserv Forum. See inside.
Who will attend the RNC?
An estimated 50,000 people are expected to come to Milwaukee for the convention.
Delegates, speakers, journalists and staff will have access to the venues. You'll probably also spot some political pundits and celebrities around the convention.
Around 2,500 delegates will vote at the convention, including 41 from Wisconsin. Delegates tend to be party officials, insiders or Republicans generally involved in GOP politics in their state.
Can I go to the RNC?
In short, no. The main event is closed off to the general public.
Only those with credentials will be allowed inside the convention venues, such as members of the media, delegates, politicians and volunteers.
How will the RNC affect city life?
Expect Milwaukee to be busy. There will be lots of TV cameras around, bars and restaurants will be packed, and traffic delays will be likely, especially downtown. Some museums and other businesses may be closed or have altered hours.
More: RNC business lower than anticipated for many downtown bars, restaurants and venues
The city says it has no plans to limit or reduce services like police, fire, EMS and trash pickup for the public. The Hop will run its normal schedule, and bus route updates can be found on the Milwaukee County Transit System website.
Multiple streets will be closed to street parking during the convention set-up and take-down. Here's a full list of those closures.
Will parts of downtown Milwaukee be closed during the RNC?
There are two security zones to keep in mind if you're heading downtown.
Some areas of downtown will be restricted to people with credentials or tickets. That's known as the "hard security zone" or "pedestrian restricted perimeter." Businesses in that area will not be accessible to the public — only to convention attendees and volunteers. Anyone entering the area will go through a pedestrian security screening.
That area stretches from West McKinley Avenue on the north to just past West Wisconsin Avenue to the south. The area encompasses Pere Marquette Park on the east side and stretches past North Lovell Street on the west. It includes the main convention venues: Fiserv Forum, the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena and the Baird Center.
Outside of that zone is a "vehicle screening perimeter." Credentials aren't required to access that zone, but vehicles trying to get in the area must go through one of five vehicle checkpoints. That also applies to rideshares, taxis and food delivery services. Pedestrians and bicyclists can freely enter the zone from any area.
The area stretches roughly from West Cherry Street on the north to Clybourn Street on the south and from North Ninth Street on the west to the east side of the Milwaukee River.
More: What parts of downtown Milwaukee are restricted, closed to general public during RNC?
How many police will be at the RNC?
A few thousand police officers from agencies outside of Milwaukee are expected to help staff the convention. Glendale, a northern suburb, is preparing to serve as the Milwaukee Police Department's headquarters.
More: Wisconsin, Illinois lawmakers renew request for 50% bump in presidential convention security funds
More: Why Milwaukee is seeking insurance against nuclear weapons for Republican National Convention
What's the plan for protests?
The RNC demonstration route will be on the south side of the hard zone, beginning and ending at Zeidler Union Square.
As with the demonstration areas, those looking to use the march route can sign up with the city for a time to use the march route.
There will be two designated demonstration areas, one on the north side near Fiserv Forum and a second on the south side near the Baird Center.
The northern speaker's platform will be at Haymarket Square at West McKinley Avenue and North King Drive.
The southern speaker's platform will be at Zeidler Union Square, which will also serve as the starting and ending point for the parade route.
More: What to know about the rules for speaking, marching outside of the RNC in Milwaukee
Why was Milwaukee chosen to host the RNC?
According to former RNC chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, it was a combination of the summer weather, the lakefront, the facilities and a mayor of a Democratic city open to being hosting the RNC. It beat out Nashville for the event.
Milwaukee had also already laid the groundwork for planning and hosting another convention — the Democratic National Convention in 2020, until it turned into a mostly virtual event.
More: 'It was a bit of a miracle': How Milwaukee landed the 2024 Republican National Convention
And you've heard this refrain before, but Wisconsin is a swing state. Republicans could capitalize on lagging Democratic turnout in Milwaukee, and try to rebuild weakening support in the suburbs.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: RNC 2024 coming to Milwaukee: Dates, where it is, what to know
