Denver Puts In Formal Bid To Host 2016 RNC
DENVER (CBS4) – Citing the overall success of the Democratic National Convention in 2008, Denver put in a formal bid on Monday to host the 2016 Republican National Convention.
One of the bid committee's selling points is the Pepsi Center and the fact that they are prepared to use the location again to host the convention's biggest events like they did in 2008.
Leaders from both parties, including Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, want the city to host the RNC.
The money that comes along with bringing 50,000 visitors and nearly 20,000 journalists to one city seems to be enough for Colorado leaders to set aside their politics.
"This is business for Denver. It's my job to help attract business and conventions to this city," said Hancock.
The 700-page bid is now on its way to the nation's capital, highlighting the city's assets.
Included as part of the city's effort is a YouTube video in which Hancock and Gov. John Hickenlooper say that Colorado is "equally divided among Rs, Ds and Us, one third across the board."
When Denver hosted the 2008 DNC the economic impact totaled more than $250 million and it is estimated that hosting the RNC could bring in more than $400 million.
"We're still basking in the glow of the 2008 success. The ripple effect goes on and on for an event that big and that successful," said 2016 Host Committee Chairman Rep. Bob Beauprez.
Dallas, Phoenix and Kansas City are a few of the other cities competing to host the RNC.
Next week, the bid committee plans to travel to Washington D.C. to make their in-person pitch.
A decision is expected to be made late this spring.