Republican Convention in Detroit?

[MikeyinBrooklyn]

GOP political consultant Mike Murphy is recommending Detroit for the 2016 Republican National Convention.

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/2...text|FRONTPAGE

While in theory I would love either [[or both) party convention in Detroit, I have some fears and doubts. On the plus side, the conventions do bring in lots of hotel, restaurant & bar business, plus business for the airport, car rentals, etc.

My problem with having such a convention in Detroit soon is that the city is not really ready to take on such a large project. Say what you will about Coleman Young, he had control over the city and helped both land the 1980 convention and make sure that it went off without a hitch [[plenty of police, clean streets, no labor issues, etc). I don't know if the city could pull it off now. It is in some ways a bigger challenge than the Super Bowl, because it runs typically for 4 days. Considering that the decision as to where to have the convention will be made in the coming months, I doubt that the city could pull off a confident bid in that time [[typically, the host city and business and community leaders put together a bid addressing all the practical issues that face hosting the event). Maybe for 2020.

[401don]

I don't think the event is as big of a deal in terms of direct spending in the host city as most people believe. There is far less spending for rest & bars than other events. Delegates and the press go from their hotels directly to the convention center. They spend much of the day there and then the major speeches are at night. Much of the security is probably handled by the feds now although policing would certainly be a big cost. The question is not whether the city could handle it but would the city have done enough after bankruptcy to benefit from positive publicity.

[MikeyinBrooklyn]

In the right circumstances, Don, I think a big event like a party convention could be a "coming out" party for the city, showing that we're back to being a normal, functioning city. I agree that we may not be able to fully demonstrate it just 30 months from now.

As for the benefits to local business they are still there. The convention would be unlikely to be blocking out any other large events in the middle of the summer. There may not be as much old-timey saloon patronage as in years past, but various state and local party committees and organizations host breakfasts, cocktail receptions, etc. And there is some spillover for local bars and restaurants, not just by delegates [[although they do go out a little), but there are thousands of journalists that cover the event. And they don't get invites to the various political bashes, and go out for their own food and booze.

But the ultimate benefit is 2-fold [[if all goes well): the host city can look attractive both physically on TV and in media reports about various native charms and institutions. It also can demonstrate that the city is capable of pulling off big & important events.

I am not sure what the best facility would be in Detroit: Ford Field or the new arena [[note: the Democratic convention for Chicago in 1996 was booked before they had even broken ground on the United Center). Again, I think the city should put together a serious bid for either party's convention- in 2020.

[401don]

I'm pretty sure they prefer arenas for these events so they look packed on tv. The new Wings arena won't be completed until 2017.

[stinkytofu]

Isn't a big Republican talking point these days that "liberals" ruined Detroit...while ignoring the fact there were many issues that hurt our city. I can just imagine them showing picture after picture of ruin porn...then saying if they were in charge they'd fix it all.

[Bham1982]

I'm pretty sure they prefer arenas for these events so they look packed on tv. The new Wings arena won't be completed until 2017.

The new Wings arena hasn't even been financed, much less broken ground. It's just a proposal.

Obviously if Detroit wins the convention it would be at JLA/Cobo and/or Ford Field.

[MikeyinBrooklyn]

The idea for hosting at a new hockey arena was intended to be taken with my suggestion for bidding for the 2020 convention. Obviously there will be no new arena by 2016.

I don't think JLA would be a good option. Not the most modern and comfortable space, and the last thing the city would want is to present it as the televised image of convention sites available in Detroit. As for Ford Field being too big, that would be true if they just erected a podium in one spot. But what has been done in the past [[including, I know at the SuperDome in 1988) is that they construct a quasi self-contained set and seating area within the stadium's open space. In fact, they still do that in smaller arenas that hold political conventions. I doubt Cobo would be a good choice. It would almost certainly host convention-related events and be the "media center", but the visuals just wouldn't be as striking as at a big stadium or arena. The GOP convention in San Diego in 1996 was in a convention center, and it did look smaller and tighter on TV.

Stinkytofu, as for messaging about Detroit [["liberals ruined Detroit..."), that is not too important, in my opinion. There is a pro and con political story on every city either party chooses. Political writers will write about any selection as either being a "safe" choice rewarding a city/state loyal to the party or proving said party's policies work; or they are a "bold" selection trying to woo a challenging area or make inroads in atypical demographics. There will be some narrative no matter what city is chosen by either party. Detroit's downturn/bankruptcy and [[hopeful) recovery will be the lead topic for any event we host for the next 20 years.

[douglasm]

The RNC was held in Joe Louis Arena in 1980.....

[401don]

The RNC was held in Joe Lewis Arena in 1980.....

Tell me you didn't really spell Joe's name that way.

[MikeyinBrooklyn]

In 1980, the Joe might have seemed like a decent venue [[although around in 1980, I can't really recall what I felt about the joy as little kid). Holding a national political convention there now would, I think, invite an onslaught of negative attention about the antiquated facility, poor urban planning, etc.

[Cincinnati_Kid]

Tell me you didn't really spell Joe's name that way.

Oh no, you didn't go there did you?

[DetroitPlanner]

In 1980, the Joe might have seemed like a decent venue [[although around in 1980, I can't really recall what I felt about the joy as little kid). Holding a national political convention there now would, I think, invite an onslaught of negative attention about the antiquated facility, poor urban planning, etc.

Today Joe Louis would be too small. Media has exploded since the internet. Ford Field would be the main venue and Cobo would have the meetings. Suddenly it don't look so antiquated now does it? As far as poor urban planning goes, would you consider the improvements along Woodward and the riverfront, Washington to be poor? The issue with the abandonment is not one of poor planning, it is economic reality. Everyone from Southern States to Mexico, to Asia to Europe now has a piece of Detroit's action: Automobile design and assembly.

Detroit's biggest negative for politicos would be the Casinos. It is not something most want to be associated with. Detroit's biggest asset would be its squalored areas. Either party could latch onto them and blame the other.

[jerrytimes]

Ford Field would be perfect venue.

[DetroitPlanner]

The RNC was held in Joe Lewis Arena in 1980.....

Ya think you would know how to spell a local hero's name that kicked Nazi and racism's ass!
http://www.ushmm.org/exhibition/olym...meling&lang=en
http://newsone.com/2022229/joe-louis...nkee-standium/

[MikeyinBrooklyn]

Detroitplanner, I was just pointing out that I think The Joe in particular was poorly designed and situated. I think that is different than Detroit's real abandonment issues. The Joe is an ugly, isolated, fortress close to but detached from the larger city around it. True in 1980, truer in 2016/2020.

As for casinos, they are now in or near many cities. Heck, Las Vegas is bidding for the Republican convention [[though I can't imagine they'd win it). Detroit's casinos, actually, I think are pretty easy to ignore if you want to. Not like Vegas or AC at all [[I mean that absolutely as a compliment). I also have a hunch that the various state parties that negotiate group rates for the conventions could probably snag very good rates at the casino hotels.

But again, I don't see Detroit getting a good bid in by the deadline to bid for 2016. We should organize a bid for one of the 2020 conventions [[whichever party is out of power is easier to get; incumbent presidents basically pick where they want it to be; out of power parties have formal and deliberative processes for picking a city).

[Kevgoblue]

Plenty of negative commentary about the Joe, but....
haven't they been working on rehabbin' Cobo for the last 2 years? Wouldn't holding a convention in a freshly refurbished arena looking out through a big glass window overseeing the Detroit River and Windsor be a nice setting?

[DetroitPlanner]

Detroitplanner, I was just pointing out that I think The Joe in particular was poorly designed and situated. I think that is different than Detroit's real abandonment issues. The Joe is an ugly, isolated, fortress close to but detached from the larger city around it. True in 1980, truer in 2016/2020.

As for casinos, they are now in or near many cities. Heck, Las Vegas is bidding for the Republican convention [[though I can't imagine they'd win it). Detroit's casinos, actually, I think are pretty easy to ignore if you want to. Not like Vegas or AC at all [[I mean that absolutely as a compliment). I also have a hunch that the various state parties that negotiate group rates for the conventions could probably snag very good rates at the casino hotels.

But again, I don't see Detroit getting a good bid in by the deadline to bid for 2016. We should organize a bid for one of the 2020 conventions [[whichever party is out of power is easier to get; incumbent presidents basically pick where they want it to be; out of power parties have formal and deliberative processes for picking a city).

A. Joe Louis won't even be a factor so why even bring it up?

B. Casinos are among the better hotels downtown, I can't see how they can't factor in. You expect the delegates to stay at the Viking?

C. Detroit has had successful bids for the Super Bowl, Final Four, the Ryder Cup. These were just before all of the hotels came online. [[Casinos, Book, Upgraded Pontch). We have a strong convention bureau and a refurbished and expanded convention facility. We will soon have M-1 that will augment the People mover in linking all of the venues together. What else do you think is needed for a good bid?

[MikeyinBrooklyn]

A. Joe Louis won't even be a factor so why even bring it up?

Well, the original proposal by Mr. Murphy is for 2016. If that came to pass, The Joe would be on the table. Even if 2020 were the bid year, until the new arena opens its doors, the Joe will be around. Not a good option, as I noted above, but it is currently still there.

B. Casinos are among the better hotels downtown, I can't see how they can't factor in. You expect the delegates to stay at the Viking?

My point about the casinos is that they do not dominate Detroit in the sense that they do LV & AC. There are many [[and soon to be more) non-casino options for hotels, for anyone that doesn't desire to stay there. I am sure the casinos would house many of the delegates to a would-be convention; but not wanting to be around a casino, which some delegations and organizations might prefer, wouldn't be prohibitive for Detroit. We have casinos, but we are not a "casino city."

C. Detroit has had successful bids for the Super Bowl, Final Four, the Ryder Cup. These were just before all of the hotels came online. [[Casinos, Book, Upgraded Pontch). We have a strong convention bureau and a refurbished and expanded convention facility. We will soon have M-1 that will augment the People mover in linking all of the venues together. What else do you think is needed for a good bid?

The reasons why I think we would have some problems putting together a strong bid for 2016:
1) We will either be in the middle of bankruptcy or figuring out what the F*** we're going to do without it at the time the bid needs to be submitted. Among other things, this will likely curtail the city from making commitments for security and infrastructure needed for the convention. Typically, a city will pledge X number of cops onsite, develop a plan for traffic/parking issues, etc. The CofD is not currently in a position to know what it will be in able to commit for 2016.
2) Local businesses, often in association with CVB or Chamber of Commerce, for host cities generally pledge millions of dollars for various convention operating expenses [[and often for city-benefitting charities, too). This is typical of every city that bids and wins, for either party. To the best of my knowledge, no such campaign is underway. I know for the GOP convention in NYC in 2004 it was an approx $50M.
3) It is unlikely we will have M1 rail completed by 2016. Even if we do have it by then, that is hardly a promise that can be made today with any certainty [[don't forget, originally it was to be operating now).
4) Coordination of venues & hotels is often done years out. We would be starting late to get Detroit's hotels, Ford Field, and Cobo Center to avoid booking a certain week [[and in case of Ford Field, the preceding weeks of prep) for the next 6 months while we wait to hear. That is also presuming that there is no event booked for those places right now.
5) Bids, at least successful ones, address all the anticipated scenarios and problems. They take planning and address things such as security/terror threats, transportation issues large and small [[airport capacity and connections to the need for shuttle buses in the city), handling of protests, lodging of delegates, dignitaries, invited guests & press etc. In these respects it is similar to a Super Bowl. Detailed plans must be submitted. Cities that don't have bids that answer the questions of the Conventions committee will not be picked. No city gets picked on the hopes they get it all together in time. I am not aware that these things are currently being planned. Ideally, for 2016, this would already be well underway. Roger Penske would seem to be the go-to guy to lead our bid, but I haven't heard him mention it.

Detroit certainly has assets. A lot of excellent downtown hotel space. Cobo is nearly done and will be outstanding. Although unlikely to be the site of the convention, it offers a lot of good space for convention-associated events. Ford Field I think is a great venue, both the bowl of the arena itself, and the tons of extra space on site for various purposes [[if you haven't taken the tour before, I strongly recommend it). We would make a compelling case to host the convention in 2020. I am not sure we could dot every I and cross every T on short notice for 2016. If it happened I'd be happy with it, but a little surprised.

[Chinman]

i am sorry to say, but this post is silly. Cobo Hall host's at least 10 Conventions every year. the International Auto Show brings in more people that the Republican Convention could ever hope too. 2 years ago, Cobo hosted a U.S. military convention. Please look into the conventions that are as big or bigger that we have hosted before saying that the Republican Convention would be bigger than the super bowl or even the year before was baseball all-star game which at this time was the largest attendance for any all-star game to date. WE CAN DO IT, DID IT and CAN DO IT AGAIN!!!

[Wesley Mouch]

The RNC was held in Joe Louis Arena in 1980.....

My mind's foggy today, but I think that Coleman Young's effort to get the RNC needed an arena -- and this was a major motivation to build the Joe. But as others have said, times have changed and RNC is more likely to need Ford Field size today.

Not much said yet on the politics of this. If the right wants to hammer the left on urban policy, hosting the RNC in Detroit makes sense. I can almost hear them.

"Under Democratic control, Detroit descended into chaos and bankruptcy. The success you see today is the result of our Republican State government".

[Chinman]

FordField and Detroit DID not get to host the Super Bowl because of some lottery and chance that we need to get an opportunity. My Wife's friend is the Facility Manager at FordField. He went to many meetings to try and negotiate with the NFL 3 years before to beat out other city's because of how many seats they could provide. We got it because it is a NEW stadium and has the ability to hold up to 85,000 fans. The NFL does not care about hotel rooms, distance from venue or safety outside of the Venue, they care about how MANY peeps they can get into the event and make more MONEY. It is a business the same as Cobo Hall is a business. fool yourself if you think is about the City...it IS NOT!!!

[401don]

FordField and Detroit DID not get to host the Super Bowl because of some lottery and chance that we need to get an opportunity. My Wife's friend is the Facility Manager at FordField. He went to many meetings to try and negotiate with the NFL 3 years before to beat out other city's because of how many seats they could provide. We got it because it is a NEW stadium and has the ability to hold up to 85,000 fans. The NFL does not care about hotel rooms, distance from venue or safety outside of the Venue, they care about how MANY peeps they can get into the event and make more MONEY. It is a business the same as Cobo Hall is a business. fool yourself if you think is about the City...it IS NOT!!!

The NFL promised Detroit they would host the superbowl if a new stadium was built. The bidding process was a formality and Ford Field only holds 65,000. It was held there despite the small capacity.

[MikeyinBrooklyn]

i am sorry to say, but this post is silly.

Chinman, I have not stated that Detroit is unable to host it. I have merely pointed out that a) getting your ducks in a row for bidding for the convention takes time, and we are starting late and b) for reasons related to point a and the addition of new infrastructure a.k.a. new arena as an option and M1 likely operating makes 2020 a year with a more-likely-to-win bid.

[MikeyinBrooklyn]

Not much said yet on the politics of this. If the right wants to hammer the left on urban policy, hosting the RNC in Detroit makes sense. I can almost hear them.

"Under Democratic control, Detroit descended into chaos and bankruptcy. The success you see today is the result of our Republican State government".

I doubt sincerely that Detroit-as-liberal-failure would be a major theme eminating from the convention itself. Doubtless, there would be some media pointing out Detroit's single party/single ideology dominance coinciding with the city's collapse, but people at the convention would provoke ill will at the convention and hurt party chances in Michigan. People in Oakland and Macomb county might rightly view Detroit's government as a total failure, but I think they have enough pride that some people who might otherwise vote Republican would be turned off. I can't think of any major speech at either party's convention that "took on" the host city. It would be bad form.

[downtownguy]

The NFL promised Detroit they would host the superbowl if a new stadium was built. The bidding process was a formality and Ford Field only holds 65,000. It was held there despite the small capacity.

The Ford Family did some lobbying to get it also, and considering the amount that Ford Motor Company spends on advertising, that didn't hurt.