Chicago, IL – On August 15, 2024, City of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and United Center CEO Terry Savarise, along with Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison, Democratic National Convention Chair Minyon Moore, and Executive Director Alex Hornbrook, unveiled the stage for the 2024 Democratic National Convention. This event marks the culmination of efforts to transform the United Center into a highly open, accessible, and inclusive venue for next week’s convention.
The arena’s stage design, the result of months of meticulous planning, aims to deliver an interactive and immersive experience. “A week from now, the city will be electrified again when they send a woman to the White House who is understanding of the interests of the working people in this country,” said Mayor Johnson. He highlighted the convention’s significance for reflecting the values and aspirations of American families.
Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison emphasized that the convention will spotlight the achievements of the Biden-Harris administration and provide a platform for Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz to outline their vision for the nation. “At the 2024 convention, we will get the opportunity to showcase the accomplishments of Democrats, led by the Biden-Harris administration, in our efforts to unify the nation, rebuild our economy and infrastructure, and safeguard the hopes and dreams of the American people,” Harrison stated.
Minyon Moore, Democratic National Convention Chair, noted that the convention would reflect the broad and diverse coalition of Democrats. “We will build on the biggest, broadest, and most diverse coalition in history,” she said. “The electricity you feel in this room today will be magnified by the millions of Americans watching and participating all across the country.”
Alex Hornbrook, Executive Director of the Democratic National Convention Committee, reported that the stage is ready to host an “electric convention.” He thanked Co-Executive Producers Ricky Kirshner and Stephanie Cutter, Executive in Charge of Production Lisa Geers, Bruce Rodgers of Tribe Design, and the many skilled union stagehands and technicians involved in the project. “For over a year, you’ve heard our team say that we were building the literal and figurative stage for our nominees – well, now, it is my pleasure to report that the stage is built and ready to host an electric convention,” Hornbrook said.
Terry Savarise, CEO of the United Center, reflected on the arena’s transformation, stating, “Of all the events I’ve witnessed firsthand in this arena, I can tell you that I have never seen the arena look like this.” Savarise added that the United Center hosts over 200 events annually, including the 1996 Democratic National Convention, highlighting the significance of this year’s preparation.
In a historic first, the 2024 Democratic National Convention will feature an ADA-compliant ramp providing direct access to the convention floor, ensuring full participation for delegates, media, volunteers, and guests who require accommodations.
The 2024 Democratic National Convention will take place from August 19-22, 2024, at the United Center and McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago.
