When it comes to staging political conventions the one thing that there is never enough of is space. That's what made Cleveland so appealing when Republicans were looking at convention sites, having a whole other arena in the security zone at your disposal.
With the Indians on the road for two weeks the Committee of Arrangements plans to use the field for functions and meeting space and they announced Monday for Freedom Marketplace, an area where two dozen local and national vendors can sell convention related items to the 50,000 visitors.
The concept was born out of the success of The Cleveland Flea, the monthly flea markets that draw thousands.
"We wanted a little bit of local flavor, we wanted a little bit of flair," said David O'Neil of COA.
"So pretty much anything you can think of that you would want as an RNC official merchandise you're going to have an opportunity to buy it here."
Among the local vendors are Malley's Chocolates, GV Art with their Cleveland themed shirts, Cleveland Watch which is owned by a retired Cleveland Police officer and Blastmaster that makes etched glasses with Cleveland theme.
"It's all done by hand, no machine," said Cindy Tirpak, half of the husband and wife team that runs the company out of their home.
Each glass goes through a five step process by hand taking about an hour to complete.
"We're shooting for 800 to a thousand so that's all this," Tirpak said pointing to stacked boxes of glasses. "It's probably 50 cases."
She said she just about passed out when she learned their company was chosen to take part in the market.
"We're small time potatoes here, It's like we don't even have a brick and mortar this is our business right here."
