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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 105-04
May 5, 2004

MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG ANNOUNCES NIGHT ON BROADWAY FOR REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION DELEGATES AND THEIR GUESTS

A Salute to Broadway and Rewards at Every Corner; Republican National Convention Delegates Set to Experience City Life

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg announced today that The New York Times, the New York City Host Committee and NYC & Company will replace the traditional Convention welcoming parties with a night on Broadway, and provide and promote a visitors experience package for delegates, guests, lawmakers and journalists attending this summer’s Republican National Convention, which will be held from August 30th to September 2nd in Madison Square Garden. On one night, Sunday, August 29th, 13, 373 delegates and their guests will attend eight Broadway performances in a “Salute to Broadway” – the Host Committee’s official welcoming ceremony.  The eight Broadway performances are 42nd Street; Aida; Bombay Dreams; Lion King; Fiddler on the Roof; Phantom of the Opera; Beauty and the Beast; and Wonderful Town.  Delegates, guests, visitors and others can take advantage of exclusive savings available through, “Come Early, Stay Late” a visitor experience package of special offers from more than 245 retail shops, restaurants, museums and other attractions.  Mayor Bloomberg was joined in announcing the package of experience and advantages for delegates and guest by New York Times Publisher Arthur Sulzberger Jr., Republican National Convention CEO Bill Harris, NYC & Company President & CEO Cristyne L. Nicholas, and League of American Theatres and Producers President Jed Bernstein.  

“One of the benefits of our hosting the Republican National Convention this summer is that it gives us a chance to roll out the red carpet for people from every state in the nation, many of whom have never been to New York before,” said Mayor Bloomberg.  “For one night, thanks to our collaboration with The New York Times, thousands of first-time visitors will get to experience the magic of Broadway that has touched millions.  This convention is about being proud of our City, showing it off to its best advantage to the rest of the world, and supporting jobs for New Yorkers in construction, retail, entertainment, hospitality and other industries. The Convention will be a big boost for our economy. I extend my heartfelt thanks to The New York Times for extending the gift of Broadway to the delegates and guests of this year’s Republican National Convention.”   

The New York Times believes in New York, in Broadway and in democracy,” said Arthur Sulzberger, Jr., Chairman of The New York Times Company and Publisher of The New York Times.  “We’re delighted to be playing a role in bringing all three together for a night of entertainment and enlightenment.”

“As delegates come to New York City to re-nominate President George W. Bush, the Convention is partnering with NYC & Company, the Host Committee, and the New York Times to offer delegates, visitors, and media discounts before and after the Convention. Discounts will encourage visitors to extend their stay in New York City and offer exciting events such as “Salute to Broadway,” which will provide delegates and guests the New York theater experience. New York has been a great host and we hope that we can showcase the city’s strength, vibrancy, and standing, as Capitol of the world,” Harris said.

“For more than a century, visitors have experienced the excitement of show stopping performances in top quality Broadway plays and musicals,” said Jed Bernstein, President of the League of American Theatres and Producers.  “As one of New York City’s most important industries, Broadway is proud to be playing a part in welcoming the delegates and their guests.”

Along with offering delegates the unique experience of Broadway, “Come Early, Stay Late” will encourage Convention goers to take advantage of savings available through a rewards program established in conjunction with City businesses by NYC & Company, the City’s official tourism marketing organization.  Saving advantages will be available starting August 22nd through September 8th, and will include discounted rates for extended stays at all 43 hotels housing convention-goers.       

“The ‘Come Early, Stay Late’ program makes it easy and convenient for visitors to the 2004 Republican National Convention to extend their stay in our exciting city,” said NYC & Company President & CEO Cristyne Nicholas. “While the attendees enjoy New York City’s cultural treasures, extraordinary dining and world-class shopping, they will spend millions of dollars during a traditionally slow period.”

Approximately 240 businesses will be offering discounts and savings to convention goers through “Come Early, Stay Late.”  More businesses are expected to become participating members.  Some savings opportunities include: 50% off admission at The Museum of Modern Art in Long Island City, Queens; 2-for-1 price of admission at The Brooklyn Children’s Museum; 2-for-1 price of admission at the Staten Island Zoo; 20% off lunch or dinner at Manhattan’s City Crab & Sea Food; 20% off on lunch or dinner at Mickey Mantle’s Restaurant & Sports Bar; 20% off on travel with the New York Airport Service and 20% off on travel with Regency Limousine International.  

In addition to the eight Broadway performances, the following theaters performances will be offering advantages as a part of “Come Early, Stay Late” for delegates and guests, including: Chicago the Musical; Wonderful Town; Murdered by the Mob; I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change; Naked Boys Singing; 42nd Street; Fame; Movin’ Out; Disney’s Beauty and the Beast; Caroline or Change; Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida; Sly Fox; Little Shop of Horrors.







MEDIA CONTACT:


Edward Skyler / Jennifer Falk   (212) 788-2958



GENERAL CONTACT:

Paul Elliott (Host Committee)   (212) 630-8081

Diane McNulty (New York Times)   (212) 556-5244

Lisa Mortman   (NYC & Company)
(212) 484-1287


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