BARCLAYS CENTER HOSTS DNC IN BID FOR 2016 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION

BROOKLYN (August 11, 2014) – Barclays Center hosted members of the Democratic National Committee’s Technical Advisory Group today for a one-hour tour of the arena and lunch hosted with First Lady Chirlane McCray in New York City’s bid to hold the Democratic National Convention in 2016.

Nearly 20 Committee members arrived at Barclays Center by the Ebbets Field flagpole on the crossroads of Atlantic and Flatbush Avenues, where they were greeted by U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer, Barclays Center majority owner Bruce Ratner and senior members of Mayor de Blasio’s staff. The members received a blue carpet welcome from the Brooklyn United Marching Band, Children of Promise, Joint Services Honor Guard, and Barclays Center employees.

Once inside, the members were led on a tour by Barclays Center and Brooklyn Nets CEO Brett Yormark, as well as other arena staff members, starting in the GEICO Atrium.  Bryan Bautista, the Barclays Center usher who received national acclaim after performing the Star-Spangled Banner at two Nets home games this past season, gave a repeat performance to tip-off the tour.

After videos were shown highlighting the first two years of the arena, as well as moments of past speeches at Democratic National Conventions, Yormark guided the group through the building with stops in select suites overlooking the seating bowl, the 40/40 Club & Restaurant by American Express, the Barclays Practice Court, the Calvin Klein Courtside Club, and The Vault. The Honda Club and the High Point Solutions Lounge were also referenced as premium hospitality spaces.

During the tour, the members sampled food from Barclays Center’s renowned Brooklyn Taste program, which includes 55 Brooklyn restaurants and vendors. Some of the items included fish tacos from Calexico, Cuban sandwiches and grilled corn from Habana, brisket bangers and smoked white cheddar bratwursts from Brooklyn Bangers, and cheesecake from Junior’s.

Other points on the tour included a demonstration of Barclays Center’s state-of-the-art technological capabilities, and examples of works from the arena’s visual arts installation program, inspired by the energy of Brooklyn and its residents.

Upon departure, each member received a personalized Nets jersey.

“It was an honor to host the DNC members and show them Barclays Center’s unmatched capabilities to host the Democratic National Convention,” Brett Yormark said. “Brooklyn’s vibrant and diverse culture, along with the building’s design, customer service, Brooklyn Taste food program, technology, and accessibility, will provide a unique and best-in-class experience for the delegates and convention attendees.”