Host Committee to transform Trop for RNC opening event | News

St. Petersburg, Florida-- Despite talks of Tropical Storm Isaac hitting the bay area, members of the Host Committee continue to prepare for the RNC, and the welcome party scheduled for Sunday evening. 

The Host Committee's Chief Operating Officer, Matt Becker, sat down with Reginald Roundtree and unveiled some of the committee's big plans for the event. 

As soon as the Rays game ends on Saturday the 25th, Becker said crews will work to transform the Trop, and give it a Tampa Metropolitan twist. 

Three sections (one red, one white and one blue) will represent Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater. 

The red section will display Tampa's "Cuban or Latin flare", the white will feature St. Petersburg's artistic aspects and the blue will represent the beaches of Clearwater, Becker explained. 

Delegates and members of the media will experience this event together during one event, something this Host Committee has done differently than others in the past. 

"The Republican National Committee has never seen an event like this. It has never been done in a way that we will do it on Sunday," said Becker. 

"Selling Tampa Bay" seems to be Becker's priority, and Tropical Storm Isaac won't rain on his parade.  "The smartest thing we can do is stay focused on putting together the best event we can."

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