volume 1 issue 9 2008 - Mobile Production Pro

VenuesAll Eyes on Saint Paulfor the 2008 National Convention“The Republican Party could not have found a better venue forthe 2008 Republican National Convention.”- Maria Cino, President and CEO, 2008 Republican National ConventionBy Kathy O'ConnorThe eyesof the world settled onSaint Paul, Minnesota fromSeptember 1-4 as it played host to the 2008 RepublicanNational Convention. Much ado was made over politiciansand the media incorrectly stating Minneapolis asthe Convention’s host city. Although Minneapolis playeda significant role in providing hotel rooms, venues andhospitality, it was Saint Paul that had finally been awardedits long sought-after moment in the spotlight, duein large part to the world-class facilities located in theheart of its downtown area.Saint Paul’s “ace-in-the-hole” is a sparkling complex overlookingthe Mississippi river that features a 20,000-seat state-of-the-artarena, the flexible event space of a 250,000-square-foot conventioncenter and a 5,000-seat auditorium. More commonly knownas Xcel Energy Center, Saint Paul RiverCentre and the LegendaryRoy Wilkins Auditorium, the three facilities possessed the uniquecapability to meet the complex demands of a national politicalconvention. They are situated on a three-block radius and connectedto one another via under and aboveground walkways, ensuringclimate control and an added level of security, in additionto seamless traffic flow between the venues.Securing the Convention was also alarge endorsement for the value thethree facilities brought to the city ofSaint Paul. Minnesota’s capital hasexperienced a renewed vitality inrecent years and landing the Conventionhas helped Saint Paul reestablishitself on the national landscape.“The impact Xcel Energy Centerand the Saint Paul RiverCentre(which includes Roy WilkinsAuditorium) has had on the city ofSaint Paul is immeasurable,” saidSaint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman.“This complex is the heart and soulof our city’s entertainment district.The energy generated by so manyof the rallies, games, and concerts atthe facilities can be felt throughoutthe city. Xcel Energy Center and theSaint Paul RiverCentre are a hugepart of what makes Saint Paul themost livable city in America.”Spotlight:THE LEGENDARYROY WILKINS AUDITORIUMTHE FACTSOpened: 1932Renovated: 1984 & 2005Owner: City of Saint PaulHome to: Minnesota RollerGirls (Women’samateur flat-track roller derby)Operator: Saint Paul Arena Company(SPAC), affiliate of Minnesota Sports &EntertainmentArchitect: Renowned African Americanmunicipal architect Clarence W. WigingtonCapacity: Configurations to accommodateover 5,000A report released by the Saint Paul AreaChamber of Commerce in 2003 showed that after the openingof Xcel Energy Center, the last component of the complex, millionsof dollars of new spending flowed into Saint Paul’s economy,producing a significant positive economic impact throughout theMinneapolis – Saint Paul metropolitan area. In 2003 alone, thestudy estimated Xcel Energy Center’s overall impact added $247million into the Twin Cities’ economy and $103.8 million intoSaint Paul.For the Republican National Convention, Xcel Energy Centerserved as the main convention hall, while Saint Paul RiverCentreand the Legendary Roy Wilkins Auditorium were converted intomedia workspace, RNC operations and hospitality areas.The three venues work well together offering a variety of spaceconfigurations to meet the needs of any public, industry orbusiness-related event. Together, they have played host to the2004 NHL All-Star Weekend, 2004 International Ice Hockey FederationWorld Cup of Hockey, 2002 NCAAMen’s Frozen Four and its inaugural “FanFest,” annual Minnesota State High Schooltournaments, the 2006 Visa Championships(USA Gymnastics Championships), and ofcourse, the Republican Convention.Clients benefit because one company managesand operates all three facilities. Everyonereceives the same level of staff experience,imagination and event coordination.It also makes sense for the bottom line,where shared resources can lead to moreprofitable outcomes for all parties involved.For Saint Paul, Xcel Energy Center, SaintPaul RiverCentre and the Legendary RoyWilkins Auditorium have meant revitalizationin every sense of the word.HistoryThe Legendary Roy Wilkins Auditorium, asidentified by its name, is the most storied ofthe three venues contained in the downtownSaint Paul multiplex. Built in 1932, it was originally known as theSaint Paul Auditorium and was home to Ice Follies figure skatingexpositions, the Minneapolis Lakers NBA team, the University ofMinnesota hockey team and various teams and tournaments foryears, including the early days of the storied State High Schoolcontinued on 42Roy Wilkins Auditorium - Moby / 31120 mobile production monthly