The event opened with a performance of the national anthem. The rally was held in gym, where attendees sat in the bleachers or folding chairs on the floor space. A podium was erected in the center for speakers, while the White House press platform was opposite the stage. Secret service and building maintenance confirmed an expected crowd size of around 6,000, while The Tide used Jacob's Method on the rows and columns of each section of the bleachers and standing crowd to crowd-count 4,000-5,000. “At this particular stage in the game, just seeing a candidate who seems to enjoy the people, who seems to like to reach out and enjoy the crowds," Joe Palka, former “The Voice of America” Broadcaster said, “is something that the democrats have not had a great deal of in recent years.”