2008 GOP convention to be in Minnesota

September 28, 2006

The Republican National Committee Site Selection Committee will recommend Minneapolis-St. Paul to host the 2008 Republican National Convention (GOP), on September 1-4, 2008. RNC confirmation will be done in January, 2007. Cleveland, New York City, and Tampa-St. Petersburg had also submitted bids.

"We are thrilled to accept the bid from Minneapolis-St. Paul to host our 2008 convention . The host committee put together a tremendous bid and we are confident that we will partner for a successful event. Minneapolis-St. Paul has outstanding assets including state-of-the-art facilities, exciting and vibrant downtowns, and a clear enthusiasm from the community to host our convention," said RNC Chairman Ken Mehlman.

Details have not been announced, but the Xcel Energy Center is likely to be the main venue. The convention is expected to fill most hotel rooms in the area, and rank among the largest events ever held in the area. The last major national convention in the area was when 1892 Republican National Convention was held in Minneapolis.

The Twin Cities area was also under consideration for the 2008 Democratic National Convention four days earlier. The first day of the Republican convention will be Labor Day, the last day of the Minnesota State Fair.