BlogWhat's Happening Now:
The Pepsi Center complex is buzzing with activity. Construction activities continue both inside and outside of the building nearly 20 hours each day. Hundreds of workers from dozens of companies are working on every level of the Pepsi Center and in each of the parking lots surrounding the building in this final construction phase.
Work continues to complete the technological infrastructure for the event and customization of the suites that will be used as broadcast studios is now underway. In the final weeks, much of the focus will be on the Convention hall and its most central elements, the stage and podium. Specific plans will not be unveiled prior to the Convention – but this year’s podium promises to be more innovative and technologically-savvy than ever before.
DNCC Progress Report
The Construction Continues...While we’re keeping a tight lid on sneak peeks at the construction of our stage and podium within the Pepsi Center, a lot of construction is taking place -- in full view -- outside of the facility. Nearing completion are the media pavilions -- the four giant tents spanning more than 150,000 square feet in the Pepsi Center parking lots. Last week, we focused on readying the tents for the media move-in. As the media start setting up their spaces at the Pepsi Center, they’ll be installing full-scale operations with all the amenities of a traditional office -- right inside the media pavilions. Read more here.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Mark Warner to Deliver Keynote Address
Today, the Obama campaign announced that former Virginia Governor Mark Warner will deliver the keynote address during the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday, August 26. Adding to the great lineup assembled so far, Mark Warner’s vision and leadership style are truly in line with the themes of the Convention.
Across the board, people are impressed with Mark Warner’s ability to reach across the aisle and work with Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. Known for bringing people together, the former Virginia Governor’s career encompasses the Convention’s theme of Americans coming together for change. Read more here.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
People across this country continue to struggle and face tough challenges everyday – from the faltering economy and rising energy costs to the war in Iraq and the housing crisis. Across the country, Americans have made it clear that they want one thing: change.
This year, the Convention will ensure that these voices are heard. Each day of the Convention will bring with it a new theme – and a focus on a new set of American voices. Read more here.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Local Businesses a Perfect Fit
From the beginning of the planning process, the Convention Committee knew that all of the drastic Pepsi Center renovations would need to be completed in less than two months. With time constraints like that, Convention planners knew there was only one place to turn. Who better to work on renovating one of Colorado’s biggest sports venues, than the local contractors that know it best?
And that’s where St. Andrew’s Construction Services came in... Read more here.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Latest Pepsi Center Renovations
Yesterday’s photos provided a pretty good look at the Pepsi Center changes, but we wanted to share another view. Watch this video for a first-hand look at the latest renovations:
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
In the Blink of an EyeThings are moving along quickly at the Pepsi Center. In the blink of an eye so much has changed. Walking through the arena today, some parts of the Pepsi Center were unrecognizable, taking new shape to accommodate the needs of the Democratic National Convention.
With just 21 days to go until the start of the Convention, the Pepsi Center renovation is in full swing. With various construction crews operating 20 hours a day, the Convention team is pushing it to the max as the final phase of the construction is underway. Read more here.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Pepsi Center Progress Straight from the Construction Team
The transformation of the Pepsi Center is well underway, and it’s time to recognize some of the people making it happen – our hardworking construction teams. Today you’ll hear from Turner Construction Superintendent Jake Coykendall, who helps oversee much of the work done by our local construction crews.
From cabling to electrical services to tent construction, Colorado-based companies are taking part in every aspect of the Pepsi Center renovation. With just 26 days to go – construction progress is right on track and the team isn’t showing any sign of letting up.
Unfortunately I don’t quite have the same technical understanding as Jake, so I’ll let you hear directly from him. Listen in -- Jake will show you the ropes.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Native American BlessingWith the start of the 2008 Convention just one month away, two Colorado tribes performed a Native American blessing at the Pepsi Center yesterday. Paying homage to the region’s rich Native American heritage, the Convention team was honored to take part in the ceremony led by members of the Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute Indian tribes.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Week Two By the Numbers (And a Special Visit from Governor Dean)
A few stats for week two of Construction at the Pepsi Center –
- 15,000: Members of the media expected at the Convention
- 600: Construction workers handling two shifts per day
- 120+: Blogs that will occupy the Blogger Lounge in the former Nuggets weight room
- 4: Pepsi Center suites completely “white boxed” (read more to find out what that means!)
- 3: Cable bridges, 16 feet high, to connect cables from the arena to the media pavilions and satellite trucks
- 2: Weeks of construction
- 1: fully erected media pavilion, complete with plywood flooring, a roof, and exterior walls
…And that’s just the beginning. Touring the Pepsi Center today, it was absolutely incredible to see the dramatic transformation that has happened in just two short weeks.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Are we on budget? Are we on track? Are we on time?
These are the questions that Travis Dredd, Deputy CEO of Inside the Hall Operations, asks the construction management team each morning at their daily 8 a.m. meeting inside the Pepsi Center. As the first week of construction comes to a close, Travis and the Denver-based construction management team can proudly answer: yes, yes, and yes!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Media WalkthroughWith the keys to the Pepsi Center officially in the hands of the DNCC, members of the media walked through the arena today. This media visit offered a glimpse at preparations for the rapidly approaching Convention.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Construction Begins: "The transformation will be enormous."
As the Denver Post reports this morning, “The Pepsi Center hands over the keys to construction teams for the Democratic National Convention Committee at 8 a.m. Monday, and the on-the-ground, multimillion-dollar race to transform the arena into a convention hall by Aug. 25 begins.”
Sunday, July 6, 2008
100 Days Out: DNCC Enters Home Stretch In Preparation For 2008 Democratic National Convention
With just one hundred days to go until the eyes of the world turn toward Denver and the 2008 Democratic National Convention, the Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) announced today that its plans remain on track or ahead of schedule for a truly historic event that promises to be an engaging celebration of the strength of the Democratic party, the diversity we embrace, the values we share and our vision for America. The Committee is entering the final preparatory stages and is now increasing focus on the executional and programmatic elements of the Convention.
Friday, May 16, 2008
