Republicans Consider Moving Presidential Nominating Convention Outdoors As Coronavirus Cases Spike In Jacksonville, Florida – By Marcy Kreiter (IB Times) / July 9 2020
- Three stadiums are under consideration: VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, TIAA Bank Field and 121 Financial Ballpark
- The three venues seat 11,000 to 65,000 people
- Temperatures in late August in Jacksonville often hover around 100 degrees and rain poses a threat
Florida’s surge in new coronavirus cases has Republican officials considering an outdoor stadium for its Aug. 24-27 convention in Jacksonville. Major convention activities were moved from Charlottesville, North Carolina, after Gov. Roy Cooper insisted the GOP submit coronavirus mitigation plans.
President Trump objected to any rules that would have diminished the size of the crowd gathered to hear his Republican nomination acceptance speech.
The Washington Post reported party officials are considering VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, which seats 15,000, as the venue, as well as what would be involved in holding the festivities outdoors where temperatures in August could hover around 100 degrees Fahrenheit and rain is a threat. Trump was expected to make a decision soon on an outdoor venue where the odds of transmitting the disease are lower, especially if people social distance and wear face masks.
Also under consideration are TIAA Bank Field, which seats 65,000, and 121 Financial Ballpark, which seats 11,000.
Continue to article: https://www.ibtimes.com/republicans-consider-moving-presidential-nominating-convention-outdoors-coronavirus-3008596
