COLUMBUS, Ohio – Democratic party-planners are touring Ohio Stadium and meeting with state and local leaders to discuss Columbus’ bid to host the party’s presidential convention in 2016.
A technical advisory team from the Democratic National Committee is wrapping up a two-day site visit to the city.
The group was welcomed by sign-waving supporters – including Mayor Michael Coleman, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, and former Governor Ted Strickland — at a Wednesday rally downtown. The team got a driving tour of the city and saw its convention center, Nationwide Arena, COSI and other locations key to the city’s bid.
The group toured Ohio Stadium, a possible site for the presidential nominee’s acceptance speech, and will meet with local political and party officials and business leaders are planned Thursday before officials hold a press event.
Columbus is among five cities competing for the convention. It’s the only Ohio contender after Cleveland dropped its bid last month, having won the backing of a Republican National Committee panel to host that convention in 2016.
Also still in contention are Birmingham, Ala.; Brooklyn, Philadelphia and Phoenix.
The Democratic National Committee is expected to choose a host city late this year or early in 2015.