Big NRA convention includes mandatory gun-free zones

The National Rifle Association endlessly claims that gun-free zones, such as those at schools and churches, represent an invitation for armed intruders, so what better place to launch criminal mayhem than at an NRA convention?

Sounds a bit crazy but it turns out that certain locations at this weekend’s NRA confab in Nashville will include sites where no guns are allowed, even among those who have concealed-carry permits.

Nashville Public Radio explains that the 75,000 convention-goers will be allowed to carry concealed weapons inside the city’s Music City Center. But the big nightly concerts across the street at Bridgestone Arena include a gun ban.
"Bridgestone Arena prohibits the possession of firearms," according to a disclaimer on the NRA website. "When carrying your firearm, remember to follow all federal, state and local laws."
A few downtown hotels also are sticking to their bans on guns. The Courtyard Marriott and the Sheraton won’t allow firearms, even with permits.

NRA member Dan Utz of the Chicago area told Public Radio that he tries never to patronize establishments that don’t allow guns. In this case, he says he may have to break his rule.

“‘I paid for the tickets and they’re non-refundable, so I will probably go,’ Utz said. ‘Had I known before, I can’t say for sure that I wouldn’t have, but I would have strongly considered not (going).’”

Public Radio explains further with some surprising details:

“It’s not unusual for parts of the NRA convention to be off limits to guns. Last year in Indianapolis, Lucas Oil Stadium enforced its firearms ban. In 2010, the entire convention area in Charlotte restricted concealed carrying."    

For safety reasons, in many states loaded weapons are not allowed inside gun shows. In Nashville, all guns for sale on the convention floor will be nonoperational, with the firing pins removed -- a fairly standard procedure.
One obvious reason for outlawing functioning weapons at these shows is the potential for disaster.
In June 2014 alone a vendor at a Pennsylvania gun show accidentally shot a woman and in Texas another person was killed at a gun show. 
Tragedy and irony come together.