The Democratic National Convention Committee Announces Podium Unveil And Tour

Public to get exclusive first look at convention hall at public "Open House" on August 31

CHARLOTTE, Aug. 22, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- At today's behind-the-scenes walkthrough of modifications to the Time Warner Cable Arena in preparation for the 2012 Democratic National Convention, the Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) announced that Charlotte-area residents will be the first to enter the completed convention hall and get a long-awaited glimpse of the podium and stage that will be the focal point of the first two days of official convention proceedings on Tuesday, September 4, and Wednesday, September 5.  Charlotteans attending the public open house and podium unveil on Friday, August 31, will see the stage before thousands of delegates and other special guests arrive in the host city for the historic event.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120720/MM44058LOGO)

Members of the public can sign up for a free pass to be the first to see the stage at: http://www.demconvention.com

"From day one our convention team has been committed to engaging more Americans than ever before," said DNCC Chief Executive Officer Steve Kerrigan. "Inviting local Charlotte residents in for an exclusive first look at the convention hall allows us to thank our host city and continue to be the most open and accessible convention in history."

Next week's open house will mark the end of convention planning and officially kick off convention activities.

"Construction is right on schedule thanks to the diligent work of our construction and event architect teams," said DNCC Chief Operating Officer Theo LeCompte.  "We look forward to hosting the community open house where the public will preview the convention hall's innovative design."

During today's media walkthrough the press was able to record B-roll of transformations being made to the Arena. This is the second media walkthrough since construction began. Approximately 15,000 members of the media are expected to cover the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte.

SOURCE 2012 Democratic National Convention Committee