PRESS RELEASE from 2008 Republican National Convention

First Look: New Podium Assembled for John McCain’s Acceptance Speech
Modified Podium Reflects Town-Hall Approach That Has Characterized McCain’s Campaign

For Immediate Release
Thursday, September 04, 2008
 Contact: Joanna Burgos

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Today, the 2008 Republican National Convention unveiled the podium from which John McCain will accept the Republican Party’s nomination to be the next president of the United States. 

The podium used for the first three nights of the convention was modified to enable John McCain to deliver his acceptance speech from the center of the Xcel Energy Center. The new podium is a reflection of the town-hall style that has been a hallmark of McCain’s campaign. In the new forum, he will be surrounded by the delegates that nominated him the night before. 

The new podium was constructed by removing the front corner sections of the existing platform and extending its midsection by 30 feet. The extension will be eight feet wide. Near the conclusion of tonight’s program, Sen. McCain will address the convention from a lectern positioned near the end of this newly-constructed extension. To accommodate the modified platform, delegates from the state of Ohio will be re-seated on either side. 

"The extended podium will serve as a fitting complement to John McCain’s preference for direct interaction with his fellow citizens," said Maria Cino, president and CEO of the 2008 Republican National Convention. "We look forward to a tremendous speech by America’s next president, and a successful conclusion to this year’s convention." 

For the first three days of the convention, speakers and program participants appeared on a black hard laminate stage measuring 51.5 feet wide by 34 feet deep. The stage is bordered by 101.5 feet of recessed lighting and backed by an impressive video wall that gives everyone in the convention hall a perfect view of the proceedings. 

About the Republican National Convention
The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul's Xcel Energy Center from Sept. 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media and other guests are expected to attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the four-day event. For more information about the 2008 Republican National Convention, please visit our website at www.GOPConvention2008.com and join our social network sites onFacebook, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.