Can anyone go to the RNC in Milwaukee, and how close can you get to the convention?

The Republican National Convention will take over Milwaukee soon, making a large impact on business, traffic and daily life in the city.

But can you go to the RNC, set for July 15-18, and actually get inside the venues to watch politicians make speeches and see delegates conduct party business?

In short, no. The event isn't open to the public. But other public events will likely be announced soon, if you want to get closer to the action.

Can anyone go to the RNC in Milwaukee?

Unless you're a delegate, politician, media member or volunteer, you won't be able to attend the RNC. Those attendees already have credentials to get inside the convention venues.

In other words, you can't buy a ticket to get into the convention if you're a member of the public.

While volunteering was one way to get involved in the convention, that application closed June 5. The Milwaukee 2024 Host Committee, a nonpartisan entity that's working with the RNC to run the event, has hit its goal for volunteers.

How close can you get to the RNC in Milwaukee?

There are two security zones to keep in mind if you're heading downtown for a glimpse of the action, or if you're just going about your daily life.

Some areas of downtown will be restricted to people with credentials or tickets. That's known as the "hard security zone" or "pedestrian restricted perimeter." Businesses in that area will not be accessible to the public — only to convention attendees and volunteers. Anyone entering the area will go through a pedestrian security screening.

That area stretches from West McKinley Avenue on the north to just past West Wisconsin Avenue to the south. The area encompasses Pere Marquette Park on the east side and stretches past North Lovell Street on the west. It includes the main convention venues: Fiserv Forum, the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena and the Baird Center.

Outside of that zone is a "vehicle screening perimeter." Credentials aren't required to access that zone, but vehicles trying to get in the area must go through one of five vehicle checkpoints. That also applies to rideshares, taxis and food delivery services. Pedestrians and bicyclists can freely enter the zone from any area.

The area stretches roughly from West Cherry Street on the north to Clybourn Street on the south and from North Ninth Street on the west to the east side of the Milwaukee River.

Are there other events open to the public during the RNC?

While you can't attend the RNC, other events that are open to the public will likely be announced closer to convention week.

"The Daily Show" will be taping in Milwaukee during the week of the RNC. Jon Stewart will host the Comedy Central program live in Milwaukee on July 18, the last night of the convention. Tickets can be requested for free here.

The Fox News' late-night program "Gutfeld!" will also broadcast live from the Deer District with a live studio audience, though tickets already sold out.

This list may be updated. Email HKarnopp@gannett.com if you have a public event related to the RNC to add to the list, such as a watch party.