This ain't no hockey rink. The Tampa Bay Times forum has made an amazing transition technically and aesthetically to host the 2012 Republican national convention. Credit: Chip Weiner

This ain’t no hockey rink. The Tampa Bay Times forum has made an amazing transition technically and aesthetically to host the 2012 Republican national convention. Credit: Chip Weiner

This ain’t no hockey rink. The Tampa Bay Times forum has made an amazing transition technically and aesthetically to host the 2012 Republican national convention. Credit: Chip Weiner
  • Chip Weiner
  • This ain't no hockey rink. The Tampa Bay Times forum has made an amazing transition technically and aesthetically to host the 2012 Republican national convention.

The Republican National Convention doesn't kick off until Tuesday, now that it's been postponed due to Isaac. Nonetheless, you've decided to stay as far away as possible, right? Don't worry! We took a look, so you don't have to. Here's what's going on inside the secure zone and the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

See more images after the break

This article appears in Aug 23-29, 2012.