http://66.225.205.104/CW20100702.mp3
Charlotte is just one of four cities on the short list to host the Democratic National Convention in 2012. But if Charlotte gets picked, it needs to raise about $45 million. One of the biggest expenses would be remodeling the five-year-old Time Warner Cable Arena. Mayor Anthony Foxx says that alone would cost $10 to $15 million. "They pull seats out, they - they basically reconstruct that part of the arena to accommodate the stage," says Foxx. "It's a very significant undertaking. And then they put it back when they leave." The rest of that $45 million would be used to meet DNC criteria for things like transportation, security and hotels. The 2008 convention in Denver attracted roughly 50,000 people. Foxx says the benefits are worth the cost. In addition to an estimated $150 to 200 million in economic benefits, the mayor says there are benefits that can't be quantified. "I can count on one hand the number of events you could have in any city or any region that would generate the kind of international attention that a major party convention would generate," Foxx explains, "and that is worth a lot to our city." Charlotte is competing with three other cities - Cleveland, Minneapolis, and St. Louis. The winner will be declared by the end of the year The Republican National Convention will be in Tampa.