Events DC provides staff and resources to ensure public safety and security across the nation’s capital
Washington, DC – [January 28, 2021] - Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for Washington, DC once again lent support for the 59th Presidential Inauguration amidst unprecedented health and public safety challenges. In coordination with local and federal authorities, Events DC staff and its venues had a new mission as they prepared for this historic event by:
- Serving as staging areas for National Guard, US Secret Service and DC First Responders equipment and personnel at its RFK Campus and Walter E. Washington Convention Center facilities;
- Providing full production facilities and support through its fully-equipped Studio 801, located in the Convention Center, for Mayor Bowser’s press briefing and situational update ahead of the Inaugural ceremony.
- Providing secure space in the Convention Center for the production company streaming the broadcasts of all Inaugural events from the COVID Memorial Ceremony January 19 through the Celebrating America gala January 21;
- Converting the District’s Alternate Care Site in the Convention Center to a temporary low-acuity urgent treatment center serving police and military personnel providing security before and during the Inaugural period; and
- Hosting the swearing-in at the Convention Center of hundreds of National Guards troops deputized to augment police presence.
Events DC routinely contributes resources and personnel during major federal and District events in the nation’s capital at Events DC-managed sites including the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and RFK Stadium-Armory Campus.
“We are proud to continue our long tradition of supporting this historical event for our country,” said Gregory A. O’Dell, president and chief executive officer of Events DC. “This year brought unparalleled challenges for ensuring the safety and security of our residents, visitors and staff. Our team, working in tandem with the Executive Office of the Mayor and federal authorities, went above and beyond to provide a multitude of resources across the District to support agencies involved in law enforcement, public health, and emergency management.”
The Walter E. Washington Convention Center supported the inauguration with an unprecedented focus on emergency preparedness. The Center housed a temporary medical disaster urgent care facility, hosted the swearing-in of deputized troops from various security agencies, served as the communications hub for live briefings from Mayor Muriel E. Bowser and the Executive office of the Mayor and provided the staging area for the National Guard Quick Reaction Force. Media outlets also used the Center as a production headquarters for pool broadcasts of the inauguration ceremony.
“We have a world-class team and their perseverance in light of all the challenges this year is truly an inspiration,” said Samuel Thomas, senior vice president and general manager of Events DC’s Walter E. Washington Convention Center. “It’s that same dedication and attention to detail we bring each of our partners and clients, regardless of the circumstances.”
The RFK Stadium-Armory campus provided staging grounds for crucial security resources including troops, equipment and vehicles for the National Guard, vehicle staging for the Secret Service and for local first responders. The Campus also provided staging grounds for production companies responsible for the buildout of the National Mall during the inaugural ceremony.
Following the inauguration, Events DC continues to operate its COVID-19 venue recovery plan. The organization remains focused on additional areas of health and safety, including enhanced sanitation efforts, HVAC system updates to help mitigate the transmission of infectious aerosols, cutting-edge, touchless technology and new food and beverage services and capabilities, along with comprehensive staff training.
###
About Events DC
Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, delivers premier event services and flexible venues across the nation’s capital. Leveraging the power of a world-class destination and creating amazing attendee experiences, Events DC generates economic and community benefits through the attraction and promotion of business, athletic, entertainment and cultural activities. Events DC oversees the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, an anchor of the District’s hospitality and tourism economy that hosts more than 1.7 million visitors and generates more than $400 million annually in total economic impact. Events DC manages the historic Carnegie Library at Mt Vernon Square as well as the RFK Stadium-Armory Campus (RFK Campus), including Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, Festival Grounds at RFK Campus, the non-military functions of the DC Armory and the Skate Park at RFK Stadium. Stay current on the 190-acre RFK Campus Redevelopment Project at www.RFKCampus.com. Events DC also built and serves as landlord for Nationals Park, the first LEED-certified major professional sports stadium in the United States. Events DC manages Gateway DC, R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center and the Entertainment and Sports Arena (www.ESAontheRise.com), all conveniently located in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Washington, DC. For more information, please visit www.eventsdc.com and find us on social media – Facebook, Instagram and YouTube (Events DC), and Twitter (@TheEventsDC). The health and safety of our guests is our top priority. Please read our latest statement on the COVID-19 outbreak here.
