2008 Republican National Convention Hosts Media Walk-Through
Hundreds tour Xcel Energy Center to get close-up look of 450,000 sq. ft. work area
SAINT PAUL, Minn. - The 2008 Republican National Convention today welcomed hundreds of news media representatives to the Xcel Energy Center for an informational briefing and tour of the convention complex. The Committee on Arrangements, the MSP 2008 Host Committee, and other local officials are rapidly preparing to accommodate the 15,000 members of the media expected in Minneapolis-Saint Paul for the nominating convention.
"In just over 100 days our convention will showcase the Republican party's strong, united message as we nominate Sen. John McCain to be the next President of the United States," said convention President and CEO Maria Cino. "Through new and traditional mediums, the news media will play a critical role in sharing our party's message with millions of Americans, and billions more around the world."
This is the second media walk-through in the year leading up to the convention. In December 2007, the convention hosted an initial briefing and walk-through of the full convention complex, including the Xcel Energy Center and media workspace that will be developed in the neighboring Saint Paul RiverCentre convention center and Roy Wilkins Auditorium.
"The convention staff is in the process of allocating more than 450,000 square feet of working space for the anticipated 15,000 members of the media who will cover the 2008 Republican National Convention - ranking it just behind the Olympics in the level of media interest," said Director of Communications Matt Burns. "When Senator McCain takes to the podium in September to accept our party's nomination, the entire world will truly be watching - and we look forward to that historic moment."
Today's walk-through and informational briefing addressed the issuance of media credentials and provided an opportunity for members of the media to view their broadcast suites and positions in the Xcel Energy Center as well as their assigned workspace in the neighboring Saint Paul RiverCentre and Roy Wilkins Auditorium.
"Throughout the last five months, convention staff has worked closely with the media to finalize and prepare each organization's credentials, assign on-site workspace, and accommodate all housing requirements," said Mike Miller, the convention Director of Operations. "We look forward to working with the media throughout the next three months to finalize all remaining details."
Convention staff has already completed contracts with more than 100 hotels and nearly 50 venues throughout Saint Paul, Minneapolis, and Bloomington that will host convention guests and official events. From the 45,000 expected guests and participants, the host cities of Minneapolis-Saint Paul are projected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost. To date, more than 70 convention staff reside in the host cities and are contributing to the local economy. In addition, pre-convention guests have already logged an impressive 1,200 nights in area hotels.
