EVANSVILLE, IN (WFIE) -
Evansville is once again hosting the Jehovah's Witnesses Regional Convention, but this year, it's being held in the city's brand new venue: the Ford Center.
The convention brings in around 4,500 people during each of their weekends and representatives say the city has worked well with them as they got settled in to the new space.
An audience of thousands attended Sunday services in the Ford Center arena after a weekend together of learning and fellowship with others.
"Through song, talk, and drama as well," said convention attendee, Aaron Rainer.
It was the first time in several years that the Evansville-hosted convention moved from Roberts Stadium to the new Ford Center. Representatives said the team arrived a day before the convention was set to begin just to learn the layout of the building, but say they've heard a lot of positive remarks.
"The restrooms are in a much nicer condition. The corridors here are very wide, at Roberts Stadium, they were very narrow, and I think it's been mentioned the seats are very comfortable," said Keith Herrenbruck, with the convention's news services.
They say another issue they worked out was parking since the Ford Center does not have an adjoining lot like the Roberts Stadium.
"The city and the visitor's bureau, they have made parking available to us without charge and all three days we've had no problems with parking. They've even furnished the shuttle from the farthest parking garage," Herrenbruck.
Some say even though it was a walk back to their cars, the parking situation worked better than at Roberts Stadium.
"There's a lot more exits, you know. You can go this way or that way, and there's not a long wait or anything to get out," said convention attendee Faith Irwin.
"The weather overall has been pretty favorable, so the walk has been very nice, even just looking at the downtown area has been very nice," said Debbie Rainer, who attended the convention.
Representatives say the city has been very receptive to their gathering and they appreciate their cooperation every year.
The convention will also hold a second program this upcoming weekend from Friday to Sunday.
Copyright 2012 WFIE. All rights reserved.
