2008-08-30 00:02:02 -

www.mspairport.com - People arriving at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport for next week's Republican National Convention will receive a warm, personal welcome from dozens of roving volunteers and festive red, white and blue 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 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 arriving 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.

Metropolitan Airports Commission
Patrick Hogan, 612-726-5335