The PR effort is on... big-time...
at least if you happen to be heading to the Republican Convention.
People arriving at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport for
this week's Republican National Convention will reportedly 'receive
a warm, personal welcome from dozens of roving volunteers and
festive red and white decorations.'
“The airport is the first and last place in Minnesota most
conventioneers will see, and we want the experience to be positive
and to reflect well on the state as a whole,” said Jeff
Hamiel, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Airports Commission.
“We worked with the non-partisan Convention Host Committee to
integrate the airport into metro-wide welcome and transportation
plans. Our goal is to ensure visitors have a seamless airport
experience and hopefully get a sense of the state and the community
while they're here.”
Photos featuring scenes from Minnesota are on display in a
comfortable seating area above Ike's restaurant and on Concourse C,
near TGI Friday's. The photos were provided courtesy of Explore
Minnesota Tourism. Minnesota-based musicians will perform at
various locations in the airport as part of the non-profit Airport
Foundation MSP's arts and culture program.
A new pre-security Houlihan's restaurant opened this week in the
Lindbergh Terminal Ticketing lobby, near Checkpoint 1. The
full-service restaurant is accessible to everyone, whether or not
they are flying, and provides an ideal venue to meet travelling
friends and family or see them off in style.
Labor Day week is traditionally a slow travel period, so ample
parking space is expected at both MSP terminals.
Peak convention travel days are expected to be August 30 and
September 5. The Transportation Security Administration has staffed
up for maximum screening capacity, and few convention-related
flight delays are expected.
An unprecedented level of security is in place at the
airport.
“Airport police met with state, federal and local law
enforcement agencies for nearly two years to develop and implement
a comprehensive security plan for continued safe, efficient airport
operations,” Hamiel said. “Travelers will notice
increased police presence on and around the airport, extra K-9
teams, and new electronic screening devices that can identify
anyone carrying possible explosives.”
Some roadways will be impacted. Post Road will be closed to
through traffic from 6 a.m., August 30 until 6 a.m., September 6.
Only drivers with a demonstrated business need will be allowed
access past the roadway checkpoints. The airport's cell phone
waiting lot, located off Post Road, will be closed during that
timeframe as well. In addition, parking will be prohibited on both
sides of 28th Avenue south of Highway 62. Additional security
measures could be instituted as the week unfolds.
“If you're coming to MSP in the next week, allow a little
extra time for the unexpected and know we're making every effort to
get you smoothly on your way,” Hamiel said.