It's maximum capacity is 17,900.
This is false. RNC regulations for 2008 (which is the only info I can find at the moment) required that the city have an arena capable of holding
at least 20,500. The floor itself capable of seating 5,500 of those.
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/a...onvention.html
DNC regulations have always required more, usually about 22,500 given that it always (literally, not an almost) attracts a larger audience than does the RNC. The 2016 requirements have, ofcourse, not been released yet, but I can tell you that they'll most likely be larger than the 2012 requirements, which were in turn larger than what was required in 2008... for both parties.
The Frank Erwin Center is
far far far beneath what is required to host a national convention, both in total size
and in floor seating capacity. By the way, FEC's maximum capacity is 17,900.