CLEVELAND (WCMH)–Cleveland hotels are sold out and downtown restaurants are booked as thousands of GOP delegates, protesters and media representatives have started rolling into town.
The inside of Quicken Loans Arena has been transformed from the wine and gold of the Cleveland Cavaliers to the red, white, and blue for next week’s Republican National Convention.
Outside, the signs of a massive security plan are evident – from police dogs and horses to robots and miles of fencing.
Dave O’Neil, Deputy Press Secretary for the GOP Convention said even today, officials were tweeting the security plan.
“You look at the events that took place yesterday in Nice, last week in Dallas, last month in Orlando and it gives us reason to take another look at our security plan.”
There will be close to 3,000 police officers here, including officers from Columbus and 70 other police agencies around the country.
Thousands of protesters are expected. Police anticipate large organized protests as well as smaller pop-up protests.
Clevelander Susie Gavazzi says she’s optimistic. “I think we’re all a little trepidatious. I’m not concerned. I think our police are super competent,” Gavazzi said.
The FBI says it is not aware of any credible threats but there is some concern about a lone wolf terrorist or home-grown extremists.
Electronic highway signs leading in to Cleveland tells visitors to call the FBI if they see something suspicious.
Parts of the city look like it’s preparing for a cage match with miles of eight-foot-high fences meant to help police control crowds of protesters.
But the city also is showing off new hotels and a renovated public square after a $50 million makeover.
Steve Pearce is a delegate to the convention from New Mexico and a first time visitor to Cleveland.
“I love the downtown area, the old stately buildings, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Indians stadium right beside the venue where we are,” said Pearce. “I’m loving Cleveland.”
“This is our opportunity to shine and show the rest of the world what we already know about our home town,” said Heather Holmes of the Downtown Cleveland Alliance. “This is a great place to live and work and play and from that standpoint we are ready.”
The media attention will be intense both inside and outside the convention arena. One television network has set up mini studios on a downtown street, while another has completely taken over a restaurant for the week.
“This is really a proud moment for this city,” said O’Neil. “It’s a terrific rebranding opportunity that not too many other cities get a chance to have.”What others are clicking on:
