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FACT SHEET
Download the PDF of the Xcel Center Fact Sheet. CLICK HERE


PHOTO GALLERY
An in-depth review of the Xcel Energy Center with a peek at the behind the scenes of what's happening and how the 2008 GOP Convention is coming together. LEARN MORE


XCEL ENERGY CENTER REVIEWS
The Xcel Energy Center has been widely recognized as one of the best venues worldwide for sporting events, concerts, and family shows. Some of the accolades the arena has received include:

"Best Stadium Experience"
2007 ESPN The Magazine Ultimate Standings

"Best NHL Arena"
SportsBusiness Journal/SportsBusiness Daily 2006 Reader Survey

"Best Fan Experience"
Forbes Magazine "Business of Hockey" 2006 Annual Report

"Best NHL Arena"
Sports Illustrated NHL Preview Issue, October 2, 2006

"No. 1 Stadium Experience"
2003 ESPN The Magazine Ultimate Standings

Nominated for "Arena of the Year"
2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006 Pollstar Magazine Concert Industry Awards

Prime Site Award
2001, 2002, 2003, 2006 Facilities & Event Management Magazine

Best Sports Venue in the Twin Cities
Citysearch.com Best of 2001


ABOUT THE XCEL ENERGY CENTER


The Republican Party could not have found a better venue for the 2008 Republican National Convention than the Xcel Energy Center. Ideally situated in downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota, the Xcel Energy Center is a world-renowned facility that plays host to more than 150 events each year. Next year, from September 1-4, 2008, all eyes will be on the arena as it hosts a maximum capacity crowd for the Republican Party's 39th National Convention.

 The Xcel Energy Center is a state-of-the-art facility that is entirely capable of handling the demands of a national political convention. It boasts:

  • Four seating levels, plus the Al Shaver Press Box on the fifth level, which provide capabilities to seat 20,000 guests.
  • Four wide concourses - measuring up to 70 feet in width - that offer sweeping views. The arena was strategically designed to create open sightlines and superior acoustics.
  • 74 executive suites; 12 on the main concourse and 62 on the Suite Level offer the ultimate viewer experience. The complex offers multiple lounges and private areas, full-service restaurants, and upscale food and beverage offerings.
  • Exceptional ribbon board signage - a 360-degree, full-color LED board offers limitless messaging potential.
  • The Saint Paul RiverCentre convention center and The Legendary Roy Wilkins Auditorium are neighboring facilities in the heart of downtown Saint Paul that will also be utilized during the convention.

 Opened in September 2000, the arena is the full-time home of the NHL's Minnesota Wild and the NLL's Minnesota Swarm, but books a busy schedule in addition to sports. Many of the world's brightest stars have performed under its roof, including:
  • Music legends Paul McCartney, Luciano Pavarotti, the Police, Rod Stewart, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, Neil Diamond, Billy Joel, Simon and Garfunkel, and local favorite Prince, among others.
  • Championships and major events like the 2008 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, the 2004 NHL All-Star Weekend, 2004 International Ice Hockey Federation World Cup of Hockey, 2006 U.S. Gymnastics National Championships and the 2002 NCAA Men's Frozen Four, which will return in 2011.
  • All in all, the Xcel Energy Center has hosted more than 900 sporting events, concerts, family shows and special events.
Visit the complex online at www.xcelenergycenter.com.



PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE ON ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE 2008 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION • PHONE (651) 467-2008
NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE OR CANDIDATE'S COMMITTEE • WWW.GOPCONVENTION2008.COM

MORE INFORMATION
Official Providers
Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee
Republican National Committee
John McCain 2008


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