Inside look: Transforming Fiserv Forum for the RNC

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Five weeks to go until Milwaukee hosts the Republican National Convention and that means crews are working around the clock to revamp Fiserv Forum for the four-day event.

The first steps to transforming the Bucks arena into the Republican National Convention begun last week with crews, including hundreds of local union workers, involved in the project.

"It's exhilarating to see things we've been working on for the past year seeing drawings and diagrams come to life right behind me," said Kush Desai, Deputy Communications Director for the Republican National Convention.

The convention stage is the biggest project of all. It will be partially mounted on the ground and hung from the ceiling with nearly 1,200 LED panels.

"It's a mammoth stage 26 ft tall 60 ft wide… a really unique for us because that gives us a high degree of versatility," Desai said.

The construction also includes the installation of media risers, a podium, remodeling suites, and other infrastructure to create the space for convention-goers.

While work continues, no events will be held at Fiserv until the convention is over.

The arena is where attendees will get a front row seat to former President Donald Trump officially being named the Republican nominee.

With the former president being sentenced four days before the convention after his historic conviction, RNC officials are remaining optimistic he'll show up.

"We fully anticipate him being here," Desai said. "If anything, I think the excitement about him is only increasing each day."

The convention, July 15-18, is anticipated to bring 50,000 people to Milwaukee.