While pols give speeches inside the arena and protesters burn flags outside the police checkpoints, those with badges that allow them access to the secure perimeter of the Republican National Convention can get a taste of Ohio—and a sense of what has brought the non-delegates to the event.
After identification badge checks by security personnel and a milder version of airport screening, people find themselves approximately a block from the convention venue, the Quicken Loans Arena. On one side, there are several tents and buses.
One tent is sponsored by Alliance for American Manufacturing. Inside, guests are treated to drinks as well as given a chance to learn about opportunities for companies to manufacture products in Ohio and the rest of the United States.
Conventioneers have flocked to the tent, however, to get their pictures taken with a life-size bobble head of Donald Trump.
Inside the Ohio Tourism Board bus, visitors could participate in a 360-degree virtual reality trip through iconic locations in Ohio. On the headsets, visitors could ride the Millennium Force, one of the world-famous coasters at Cedar's Point. Or they could go parasailing. Or, if their stomachs aren't up to coasters and sky-sailing, they could visit a farmer's market.
Tour Manager Adam Bowling said several who participated said they planned to visit Ohio after the convention. When asked how many visitors usually visit the bus, Bowling estimated about 60 per hour.
Inside the Quicken Loans Arena, the site of the convention, the normal home of the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Lake Erie Monsters has been transformed into the home of Republicans. Vendors on the concourses had changed their names to GOP Bistro and Republican Roadhouse, and a stand where jerseys are typically sold now hosts the Official GOP Convention store.
Between the arena and Progressive Field, the home of the Cleveland Indians, drinks are available and a concert stage has been erected. Many spend time here with friends chatting about the day’s events.
There is an entrance open to the inside of Progressive Field, where Freedom Marketplace is open for business. Vendors sell mostly convention-themed memorabilia, while local staple Malley’s Chocolates had a stream of business to their tent.
Some seating was also available overlooking the field, a quiet break in the midst of a frequently chaotic scene.
With lengthy intermissions between events, these little distractions provide not only a nice break from the politics, but also give people from around the country a taste of Ohio.