New York City Host Committee Chairman Jonathan M. Tisch today welcomed the Democratic National Convention Site Advisory Committee (SAC) to the world famous Madison Square Garden, the centerpiece of New York City's bid to host the Democratic National Convention in 2004. The presentation at the Garden took place in the middle of a whirlwind three-day tour that included a taste of the best that New York City has to offer in hospitality, dining and entertainment. NYC Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Rebuilding Daniel Doctoroff, actor Whoopi Goldberg, NY Knicks great Dave DeBusschere, and NY Rangers star Mike Richter were also on hand to greet former Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair Joe Andrew and Executive Director of the California NAACP Alice Huffman, the SAC Co-chairs, to the Garden along with the almost 40 SAC members.

"Our hope is that the Democratic National Committee will once again choose the greatest stage in the world, New York City, and the world's most famous arena, Madison Square Garden, for their Party's national convention," said Mayor Bloomberg. "Nothing would make a more dramatic statement of America's resolve in the face of the September 11^th attacks than to see democracy celebrated in our City. New York City has unparalleled resources and a proven track record of staging tremendous events for hundreds and thousands of visitors including some of the greatest celebrations in our nation's history."

"The Democratic Party can do no better than selecting New York City," said Mr. Tisch. "No other city provides the energy, spirit and vitality of New York. No other city contains the neighborhoods, languages and diversity of New York. No other location offers the media, cultural and financial capitals. And there is no city that better symbolizes the spirit of America. The Democratic National Committee can count on our energy and resources as well as our creativity and commitment. We are dedicated to making the 2004 Democratic National Convention in New York City a great success."

The SAC's visit to New York City began Monday evening, July 29, with cocktails and dinner at Times Square Studios, home of Good Morning America. Party members dined on some of New York's best fare from Nobu, Union Square Café, Tribeca Grill and Tabla. The evening included a Broadway review featuring Broadway star Sandy Duncan, of Peter Pan fame, that culminated with a performance of an original composition by Douglas Bernstein entitled "The Winning Way."

Tuesday, July 30's events began in the American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art with a welcome breakfast hosted by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. Breakfast was followed by a tour of the Garden facilities, which would serve as the main site for the Convention. SAC members were greeted by the sights and sounds of the Garden's storied history with the Democratic Party, including messages from President William J. Clinton, Governor Mario Cuomo, Senator Daniel P. Moynihan, Arthur Schlessinger, and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

"This is the place to stage the 2004 Democratic National Convention," said Seth G. Abraham, President of Madison Square Garden/Radio City Entertainment. "The Garden is at the crossroads across three centuries of Democratic Presidential politics. No arena or building has hosted the breadth of world-class events of this size, scale and scope, save Madison Square Garden. It would be an honor to host the 2004 Democratic National convention."

Tuesday afternoon committee members will break out into groups for presentations on topics transportation, security and communications. Tuesday's dinner will be held on the Rooftop Gardens at Rockefeller Center, followed by a dinner reception at the Rainbow Room. The site selection committee's visit will conclude Wednesday morning with a breakfast at the Boathouse in Central Park.

"New York City is the ideal stage from which to share the Democratic Party's ideas with the nation and to nominate its next candidate for President of the United States," said Deputy Mayor Daniel Doctoroff. "New York City's ability to host a large-scale media event is without equal and we pledge to dedicate ourselves to making the 2004 Convention a remarkable success."

The NYC Economic Development Corporation estimates the economic impact on the host city to be $182 million in total economic activity. The New York City and Host Committee commitment for the Convention totals $71.5 million - the City has committed an estimated $20 million towards security costs, and the remaining funds will be raised privately. The Host Committee is co-chaired by Jonathan M. Tisch, Chairman and CEO of Loews Hotels, and by former Treasury Secretary Robert E. Rubin, who was Chair of the Host Committee for the 1992 Democratic National Convention in New York City.

In April, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg personally delivered the City's bid to Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe in the main lobby of Grand Central Station. New York City is one of four cities competing for the 2004

Convention - the other cities are Boston, Detroit and Miami. The New York City proposal highlights the City's numerous including:

• Madison Square Garden: The world-famous arena is one of the nation's most technically advanced complexes. The Garden offers state-of-the art technical capability, optimal for television coverage, and is conveniently located next to transit hubs, hotels, restaurants, stores, theatres, and a variety of other attractions.
  
  
• Transportation: New York City has the most extensive and efficient mass transit system in the world. The City also offers an array of transportation alternatives, including taxis, private cars, ferries, and buses. Unlike most American cities, New York City is also a walking town where streets are alive and inviting, and destinations are pedestrian accessible. Passenger rail transportation and three major airports in the metropolitan area also serve the City.
  
  
• Security: New York City's experience hosting large, security-intensive events is unparalleled as demonstrated at this year's World Economic Forum. The NYPD is the largest police force in the nation and is committed to providing the highest level of security for the Convention.
  
  
• Hotels: New York City welcomed over 38 million visitors from around the globe in 2000. With more than 230 hotels, the City offers the finest and most varied accommodations in the world.
  
  
• Communications: New York City is the media and technology center of the nation and offers one of the world's most extensive communications infrastructures.

New York City has a long, close history with the Democratic Party. Since John F. Kennedy's victory in 1960, only two non-incumbent Democratic nominees have been elected President. Both were nominated in New York City. The first was Jimmy Carter who was elected the 39^th president of the United States in 1976 and Bill Clinton who was elected as the country's 42^nd president in 1992. Both candidates addressed the delegates from the podium in Madison Square Garden.