Details on TWC Arena closing

by: Matt

Thu Sep 06, 2012 at 23:40:44 PM EDT

Charlotte authorities shut the doors of Time Warner Cable Arena again Thursday night, turning away many who were waiting to get inside for the final night of the Democratic National Convention.

Rob Kinniburg, Charlotte’s fire marshal, ordered the doors closed about 7 p.m., because the arena had reached capacity. It was the second straight night he took such action.

This time, the group of those turned away included some notable names. UNC Charlotte Chancellor Phillip DuBois and former Pittsburgh Steelers running back and NFL Hall of Famer Franco Harris were among those turned away. So was Al Hunt, a Bloomberg News columnist and husband of PBS’ Judy Woodruff.
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“The fire marshal came by, took a visual head count, and decided it was too full,” said the officer, declining to give his name. “Only delegates, congressmen, and (U.S.) Senators are allowed in.” -Charlotte Observer

Just to be clear, this happens almost every convention on Thursday night.