MILWAUKEE — Despite a more scaled-back Democratic National Convention is in the works for Aug. 17, the Wisconsin Center still looks forward to its role.
Wisconsin Center District President Marty Brooks says he‘s still waiting to see how the democrats will fully use the facility. Right now, it will serve as a hub for the Democratic National Convention's virtual production.
How else the party plans to use the space is still up in the air as the plan continues to evolve with less than two weeks to go. Former Vice President Joe Biden will not be making the trip to Milwaukee to accept the party's nomination due to the spread of COVID-19.
“Since that has changed, the configuration of how space is being used is literally changing as we speak," Brooks said.
Brooks said the Wisconsin Center will still be used for the convention’s digital and broadcast production.
“We’re following direction of the DNC and as they provide us with information, we can provide staffing, and making rooms available is still happening," Brooks said.
They're expecting some guidance on how to proceed but they don't know when it will come.
“Once we’re given the new game plan on how the building is going to be used when it’s going to be used. We’ll make the proper modifications if needed," Brooks said.
TMJ4 asked the secret service whether they were still planning to provide security. A spokesperson shared this statement:
The 2020 Democratic National Convention remains a National Special Security Event (NSSE) and the U.S. Secret Service continues it’s role as the lead agency for the design and implementation of the operational security plan. The Secret Service will continue to work with our local, state and federal partners to provide a safe and secure environment for the DNC in Milwaukee.
Brooks is optimistic this won’t be Milwaukee’s last time in the spotlight.
“My joy in this," he said. "If I could find any, is the fact that we, Milwaukee, are still being mentioned as being the center of the Democratic National Convention."
Brooks said he hopes to learn more about the DNC's Wisconsin Center plans in the days to come.
