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 — from articles on our website, television anchors or politicians across the state and nation.
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 a little under six months away, and there's still a lot we don't know yet about the operations, security, attendance and schedule of the event.
But here's what to know so far:
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 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. Other events are likely to pop up around the city.
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.
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 — though the GOP didn't adopt a new one in 2020.
Who will be the nominee?
Former President Donald Trump is looking more and more like he'll be the nominee, after defeating his only remaining major competitor, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, in the earliest contests in Iowa and New Hampshire.
Some Republicans may sit out the convention if Trump is the nominee — including former House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin.
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.
More: Wisconsin has 41 delegates for the RNC in Milwaukee. Here's what they do, how they are picked
Can I go to the RNC?
In short, no. The event is essentially closed off to the public, unless you have credentials.
There will likely be other events around town if you want to get involved in the action. And, the nonpartisan Host Committee is looking for volunteers to help out during the convention and at events leading up to it.
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. We'll keep you up to date on all of that.
What will security be like?
The security perimeter isn't finalized yet. The U.S. Secret Service is the lead planning agency for the event.
A few thousand police officers from agencies outside of Milwaukee are expected to help staff the convention. Glendale, a northern suburb, is expected 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
Why was Milwaukee chosen to host the RNC?
According to 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 a convention — the Democratic National Convention in 2020, until it turned into a mostly virtual event.
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.
More: 'It was a bit of a miracle': How Milwaukee landed the 2024 Republican National Convention
What do Wisconsin leaders think about the convention?
Many Democrats have supported hosting the convention in Milwaukee.
Mayor Cavalier Johnson, a Democrat, has been one of the largest proponents of bringing the convention to Milwaukee to boost the city's profile and economy. So has Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley.
More: RNC official Reince Priebus credits Dems with building case for Milwaukee hosting 2024 convention
Reince Priebus, the chair of the Host Committee, has also said the convention will promote Milwaukee and small businesses, and show that bipartisan leaders can work together to host the event.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: RNC 2024 coming to Milwaukee: When is it? Where is it? What to know?
