1996 Convention Fun Facts

Did You Know:
This year's convention is being held on the same dates as the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago -- Aug. 26-29.

The United Center in Chicago:

• seats 23,000 people
• has 85,000-square-foot parking lot reserved for protesters
• was transformed in 63 days for the convention
• cost $5 million to prepare for the convention

Did You Know:
The podium at the Democratic convention is 28 feet tall -- one foot taller than the ceiling of the Republican's convention sight in San Diego.

To make room for the podium at the United Center, an 80-ton hydraulic crane moved two concrete slabs, weighing 38,000 lbs., onto two flatbed trucks to be taken out of the arena. The slabs will be moved back after the convention.

The lectern, which can be raised or lowered to accommodate 6'2" President Bill Clinton and 4'10" convention officer Debra DeLee, will be lowered out of sight for the convention finale.

Behind the podium, a 56-panel screen can show one big image or 56 small ones.

Chicago's United Center has 216 hospitality sky boxes, compared to only 36 at the Republican's San Diego Convention Center.

The convention is expected to bring:

• 35,000 visitors to the Chicago area (including the media)
• 15,000 members of the media
• 4,289 delegates total
• $122 million directly into the Chicago economy
• 7,000 voluteers to help coordinate the convention

Did You Know:
The last four political conventions held in Chicago (Democrats in 1952 and 1956; Republicans in 1960 and Democrats again in 1968) all nominated the losing ticket.

Did You Know:
The city of Chicago bid $32.1 million to bring the 1996 Democratic National Convention to the Windy City. Chicago also made a bid for the 1996 Republican National Convention, but a clause in the contract with the Democrats required the city to withdraw it.

Did You Know:
The Democrats require at least 21 percent of each delegation to be minority delegates. Fourty-four African Americans belong to Illinois' 193-member delegation.