The DNC Guide to What Denver Doesn't Want You to See
By leigh
updated 2 months ago
Every city has its little embarrassments and its little dirty secrets. Denver's lead-up to the DNC is bringing some of these to light and creating a few new ones too.
Hiding the Homeless
Denver is undertaking the problem of its indigent population in a very unique way during the convention. By which I mean putting them in places where they won’t be seen. Like movie theaters.
A really kind move on their part, Sly’s Salon in downtown Denver gave free haircuts to the homeless on August 18th.
A really kind move on their part, Sly’s Salon in downtown Denver gave free haircuts to the homeless on August 18th.
A Day of Culture
The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless is giving out hundreds of tickets to cultural attractions around the city, to protect the homeless from the chaos of the convention. Popular thought, however, is that it’s just a way to get the homeless out of sight.
Denver wants none of this during its week of fame.
The impressive 83-acre Denver Zoo is home to Bear Mountain, considered to be the first "natural-style" zoo exhibit in...
The impressive 83-acre Denver Zoo is home to Bear Mountain, considered to be the first "natural-style" zoo exhibit in North America. Animal enthusiasts can gawk at polar bears in Northern Shores, gander at the lions at Predator Ridge and view amphibians and fish in Tropical Discovery. When the weather is nice, visitors can take a spin on the beautiful handcrafted carousel or tour the zoo with a natural gas-powered train ride. The zoo is adjacent to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science inside City Park, a 300 acre park maintained by the city.
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is the Rocky Mountain region's most expansive museum dedicated to the the natur...
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is the Rocky Mountain region's most expansive museum dedicated to the the natural phenomena that exists in Colorado and the world around us. From minerals and gems to wildlife dioramas to space exploration, the museum has abundant opportunities for families to learn and explore. Children should not miss the "Discovery Zone", which has scientific presentations and story times along with hands-on exhibits. Located on the eastern edge of City Park south of the Denver Zoo, the museum contains a planetarium, IMAX theater, extensive gift shop and restaurant.
Security protocols and methods have been a huge issue in the lead-up to the DNC for both sides of the fence.
Yes, there have been arrests.
Gitmo on the Platte
3833 Steele St Denver, CO 80205
Denver’s almost-secret “arrestee processing center” only got uncovered through a fluke. It is supposed to only be used in case of mass arrests, but many rights advocates have doubts. The ACLU recently wrote a letter voicing its concerns; it can be found here .
As of Monday night, the center has officially been put to use as well, processing some 100 arrested protesters.
“Gitmo on the Platte” Source: 9News.com
Credentials for Locals
Anybody living or working within a given distance of the Pepsi Center has had to apply for credentials from the Secret Service.
Chain Link Fences and Concrete Barricades
For weeks, construction crews have been busy walling off not only the Pepsi Center but also the north side of the campus of CU-Denver (commonly known as Auraria Campus) across the street.
Getting anywhere near the Pepsi Center has been an issue for weeks. With fences and police and security guards, it’s now virtually impossible.
Getting anywhere near the Pepsi Center has been an issue for weeks. With fences and police and security guards, it’s now virtually impossible.
Fences and more fences
Transportation
Efforts to keep the city functioning are great, but there are some areas that are virtually inaccessible.
Streets Shut Down
During all but the hours between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Monday – Thursday of the convention, Speer Boulevard, a major access point from the Interstate to downtown, will be closed to traffic. The same will happen on Auraria Parkway.
Small image of closures during the DNC. For full PDF map, head here
Even further, during Obama’s speech on Thursday at INVESCO Field, five and a half miles of I-25, Denver’s major north-south interstate, will be completely closed.
Need a new route? Check this article on 9News.com.
Home to the fantastically popular Denver Broncos of the NFL as well as Major League Lacrosse's Denver Outlaws, INVESC...
Home to the fantastically popular Denver Broncos of the NFL as well as Major League Lacrosse's Denver Outlaws, INVESCO Field at Mile High seats some 76,000 fans for its games. In 2008, the stadium was selected to hold Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama's party nomination acceptance speech. The stadium is located just west of downtown Denver, near other sports complexes including the Pepsi Center and Coors Field.
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