McCain's Arena

For better or worse, lavish conventions at grand arenas have become a part of America's political process. Although the Republicans have scaled back their festivities, we are sure to see some high-tech wizardry as they gather at the state-of-the-art Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Interestingly, Excel Energy Center was designed by the same firm that built the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado, where Democrats held their National Convention. Democrat Barack Obama delivered his speech at another great stadium, INVESCO Field at Mile High.

More: Great Stadiums and Arenas

^{Xcel Energy Center Photo © Sean Smuda}