| 2008 Republican National Convention
All eyes will be on Bloomington, Minneapolis and Saint Paul, as the cities play host to the 2008 Republican National Convention. Already enjoying a large amount of recent media attention focusing on the area's booming arts, architecture and dining scene, the cities look forward to the exposure that will come from hosting the RNC.
"The enthusiasm of the community and the community leaders to host the convention means a great deal." -- RNC co-chairwoman Jo Ann Davidson (MPR, Sept. 27)
For more information on the 2008 Republican National Convention, visit:
Commitee of Arrangements official website
Minnesota Host Committee website
Media Contacts
Teresa McFarland
Communications Director
RNC Host Committee
651.677.2980
Matt Burns
Director of Communications & Spokesman
2008 Republican National Convention (COA)
651.467.2008
Taxi Stands
- Walnut Street (East Side, Between 7th Street and Exchange Street)
- Wabasha Street (West Side, Between 5th Street and 6th Street)
Limousine Drop Off and Pick Up Area
- Walnut Street (East Side, Between 7th Street and Exchange Street)
Limousines will not be allowed to stage at this location. This is a drop off and pick up area only.
Charter Bus Drop Off and Pick Up Area
- Kellogg Boulevard (South Side, Between Wabasha Street and Minnesota Street)
Busses mus approach the area from the south, via the Wabasha Bridge. Westbound charter bus traffic will not be permitted on Kellogg Boulevard. Charter Buses will not be allowed to stage at this location. This is a drop off and pick up area only.
Volunteers
Approximately 10,000 volunteers are needed for the Republican National Convention. Interested individulas who are over the age of 18 can apply by clicking here. The deadline fo applying is June 15, 2008
Facts & Figures Dates: September 1-4, 2008
Convention facility: Xcel Energy Center, Saint Paul
Headquarters hotel: Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
Civic Fest, A Very Minnesotan Celebration: Minneapolis Convention Center,
Hotel rooms needed: Approximately 16,000 per night at 101 hotels throughout Bloomington and the metro-area have been secured specifically for the convention
Total number of hotel rooms in the metro area: Approximately 35,000
Total cost of convention: Approximately $82 million
Expected attendees: (all are approximate & estimated numbers) - Total: up to 45,000 - Delegates: 2,000 - Alternate delegates: 2,000 - Volunteers: 10,000 - Media: 15,000 - Staff, families, guests, etc.: 15,000
Economic impact: Differs depending on attendance and the host city. According to the Democratic National Committee, the 2004 Democratic National Convention held in Boston resulted in direct spending of $156 million.
Bloomington FAQ's
What Bloomington hotels are participating in the RNC room block?
The 2008 Republican National Convention has choosen 28 Bloomington hotels. They are as follows:
| Bloomington Hotel |
| Comfort Inn Airport |
| Country Inn & Suites Bloomington West |
| Country Inn & Suites MOA |
| Courtyard by Marriott MOA |
| Crowne Plaza Bloomington |
| Days Inn Airport MOA |
| Days Inn Bloomington West |
| Embassy Suites Hotel Bloomington |
| Embassy Suites Hotel Minneapolis Airport |
| Fairfield Inn by Marriott |
| Radisson Hotel Bloomington MOA |
| Hampton Inn Bloomington MSP |
| Hilton Garden Inn Bloomington |
| Hilton Minneapolis South |
| Hilton MSP Airport MOA |
| Hilton Inn Bloomingtonngton I35W |
| Holiday Inn Express |
| Holiday Inn Select Hotel & Suites |
| La Quinta Inn & Suites |
| La Quinta Inn |
| Le Bourget Aero Suites Hotel |
| Minneapolis Airport Marriott |
| Ramada Inn Airport MOA |
| Residence Inn by Marriott MOA |
| Sheraton Bloomington |
| Sofitel Hotel Minneapolis |
| Staybridge Suites |
Getting Around
Click Here for Map of Bloomington. Please note, this may take awhile to download. Please Click Here if you do not have ©Adobe Acrobat Reader
By Air
Bloomington is located adjacent to the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP). The Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport is just minutes from the heart of Bloomington and 20 minutes from both downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. Bloomington hotels provide complimentary airport and Mall of America transportation.
By Road
Bloomington offers easy accessibility via two major highways, I-35W and I-494, which converge in Bloomington, with the major East/West highway, I-94, running just North in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Taxi
Bloomington taxi service is readily available at the airport, hotels and Mall of America. Rates for Bloomington taxi servoces are approximately $1.75 first 1/6 mile, $1.30 each additional mile. $3 minimum in Minneapolis, $2.30 minimum in St. Paul.
Bloomington taxi rates are subject to change without notice.
Bloomington Taxi Services
| Airport Taxi |
(612) 721-0000 |
| Blue & White Taxi |
(612) 333-7089 |
| Green & White Taxi |
(612) 522-2222 |
| Yellow Cab Suburban Company |
(612) 824-4000 |
Car Rental
| Alamo Car Rental |
(800) 327-9633 |
| Avis Car Rental |
(800) 831-2847 |
| Budget Car Rental |
(800) 527-7000 |
| Dollar Rent-A-Car |
(800) 800-4000 |
| Enterprise Rent-A-Car |
(800) 736-8227 |
| Hertz Car Rental |
(800) 654-3131 |
| National Car Rental |
(800) 227-7368 |
| Thrifty Car Rental |
(800) 367-2277 |
What To Do in Bloomington in Three Hours
HOUR ONE - Knowing that you only have one hour to do some damage in Mall of America®, the key word here is pace. You can’t see it all, but you can see a handful of highlights in the complex. First, stop in the center of the mall to see Nickelodeon Universe® and have your photograph taken in front of the many sculptures throughout the theme park. Next, grab a cup of, locally owned, Caribou Coffee on the third floor and carry that with you as you stop at Moose Mountain Adventure Golf for a round of fast-paced miniature golf. Before you head out, stop in to a Mall of America Gift Store to purchase a souvenir of your trip to the mall.
HOUR TWO – After enjoying the grandeur of Mall of America and seeing what the mecca of shopping has to offer , you have worked up a hunger, so satisfy your appetite at the brand new Bloomington Chop House in the new Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington Hotel. Specializing in tender steaks, fresh seafood and attentive service, you will be able to sit back and take in the fresh atmosphere of this upscale restaurant. An extensive, but affordable wine list is available for wine coinsurers. Reservations can be made online and a private dining room is available for groups of 15 or more.
HOUR THREE – Walk off the delicious meal you just enjoyed by visiting the wonders in Bloomington at the two-acre oasis of the Normandale Community College’s Japanese Gardens. Designed by a Japanese architect, guests will be able to view over 300 Minnesota-hardy plants, shrubs and trees, including 6 flowering cherry trees and traditional key features of a Japanese garden. This beautiful sanctuary offers FREE admission and is open year round. Brochures for a self-guided tour are available.
FAQ's
What is the benefit to Bloomington and the rest of the metro area?
The 2008 Republican National Convention is an event that will benefit the entire metro area and state of Minnesota. A large percentage of Bloomington and metro area hotel rooms will be filled, bringing money to hospitality business and retail outlets.
In addition, meeting facilities, venues and suppliers throughout the metro area will be used for convention-related festivities and functions. In fact, the Republican National Committee has earmarked the Minneapolis Convention Center for an official convention event.
Also, the massive amount of media coverage received in the months leading up to and during the convention itself will help generate awareness of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area as an ideal place to visit and live.
Did Bloomington, Minneapolis and Saint Paul submit separate bids?
While Meet Minneapolis, Official Convention + Visitors Association, coordinated putting the bid together, the Bloomington CVB 0and many other organizations, plus the leadership of numerous metro-area cities and local and state government, all worked to secure the convention.
Is Labor Day weekend a good weekend to host such a large-scale convention?
The Republican National Convention is scheduled at an ideal time with respect to convention and meeting business. Labor Day weekend is typically a slow time for Bloomington hotels and meeting facilities. There are no large events that need to be moved in order to accommodate the Republican National Convention.
Will any new infrastructure need to be built to accommodate the convention?
No, Bloomington, Minneapolis and Saint Paul was found to have satisfactory venues and hotels that meet the needs of the convention at the time of submitting the bid. However, there may be some temporary reconstruction inside the convention facilities. All venues must be returned to normal after the convention is finished.
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