1976 Republican National Convention
The 1976 Republican National Convention was a United States political convention of the Republican Party that met from August 16 to August 19, 1976, to select the party's nominees for president and vice president. Held in Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Missouri, the convention nominated President Gerald Ford for a full term, but only after narrowly defeating a strong challenge from former California Governor Ronald Reagan. The convention also nominated Senator Bob Dole from Kansas for vice president, instead of Vice President Nelson Rockefeller, who did not seek nomination for a full term. The keynote address was delivered by Tennessee Senator Howard Baker. Other notable speakers included Minnesota Representative Al Quie, retired Lieutenant Colonel and former Vietnam prisoner of war Raymond Schrump, former Democratic Texas Governor John Connally, Providence, Rhode Island mayor Vincent Cianci and Michigan Senator Robert P. Griffin. It is the last national convention by either of the two major parties to feature a seriously contested nomination between candidates.
Kemper Arena was the site of the 1976 Republican National Convention
Oversized circular logo mounted on foam used for the 1976 Republican National Convention.
Michigan delegates waving signs for their candidates on day two of the convention.
Hy-Vee Arena, previously known as Kemper Arena, is an indoor arena located in Kansas City, Missouri. Prior to conversion to a youth sports and community gymnasium facility, Kemper Arena was previously a 19,500-seat professional sports arena. It has hosted NCAA Final Four basketball games, professional basketball and hockey teams, professional wrestling events, the 1976 Republican National Convention, concerts, and is the ongoing host of the American Royal livestock show.
Exterior view of venue, 2022
Kemper Arena, 2014, prior to its renovation. The exterior of the facility has remained unchanged, even after its renovation.
The 1976 Republican National Convention. Left to right, the vice-presidential candidate, Kansas Senator Bob Dole, Mrs. Nancy Reagan, Former California Governor Ronald Reagan, President Gerald R. Ford, and Vice-President Nelson A. Rockefeller. First Lady Betty Ford is on the far right next to daughter Susan Ford.
A ticket for the 1988 Men's NCAA Final Four