August 04, 2008

DNCC to Offer Public Tours, Youth Program on Friday, August 22
Free Tickets Available to Local Community at www.DemConvention.com

DENVER - Building on efforts to make the 2008 Democratic National Convention the most open and accessible event of its kind, the Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) today announced that tickets for the Pepsi Center “Community Open House” on Friday, August 22, 2008 are now available at www.DemConvention.com.  At the event, area residents and school children will be among the first to enter the Convention hall and get a glimpse of its innovative design before thousands of delegates and other special guests arrive in Denver.

“After months of diligent planning and weeks of meticulous execution, we are looking forward to welcoming our neighbors and gracious hosts for this event into the Convention hall,” said Leah D. Daughtry, CEO of the DNCC. “This is just another way we’re ‘bringing down the walls’ of this Convention and inviting everyday Americans into the experience.   Colorado residents will be among the first to stand within the transformed hall where we will make history and nominate Senator Barack Obama as the next President of the United States.”

Tours for the general public will be available from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm on Friday, August 22.  Before the public tour, there will be a special opportunity for area elementary and middle school students to tour the Convention hall and take photos.  Beginning at 8:30 am, students will participate in an educational program on the historical significance of political conventions and the role they play in our democratic process. Presentations from party leaders will also seek to inspire youth to become more involved in civic activities.

“The energy and enthusiasm builds more and more each day for what will be one of the most important events in the history of Denver,” said Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper.  “While millions of people around the world will watch this historic event on television or the Internet, it is only fitting that Denver’s children and residents have the first opportunity to experience part of that history firsthand. We commend both the DNCC and the Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee for their ongoing commitment to involve our community.”

Upon arrival for the Community Open House, guests will enter the Pepsi Center through the Grand Atrium, or main entrance, of the Pepsi Center and walk to the center of the arena where delegations will be seated. There, attendees will view the podium and stage where dozens of individuals, including the keynote speaker, will take the stage during the first three days of the Convention. The open house will run from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm MT on Friday, August 22, and will be free of charge.

Tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and are available at www.DemConvention.com, where residents will be asked to enter their name, phone number, address and email address.  To attend the open house, citizens must present a printed ticket. Sign-up for the event will be open until August 20 or until all tickets have been reserved.

Teachers and school administrators interested in registering their students for the youth program should visit www.DemConvention.com/youthprogram.

No parking will be available on the Pepsi Center grounds during this event.  Attendees are encouraged to use the RTD light rail. Both the “Purple” and “Orange” light rail lines will be accessible to the Pepsi Center at the Pepsi Center/Elitch Gardens stop. Paid parking will also be available at Auraria Campus lots on Auraria and 9th streets, 7th and Walnut streets and Auraria and 7th streets.