The Republican National Convention in Cleveland is more than three months away, but the positive economic footprint is already spreading to a football landmark--The Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Delegates from several states have reached out to the HOF to schedule tours, luncheons and parties, according to Pete Fierle, the hall's chief of staff.
"We've already secured the New Mexico delegation to come here and hold a private event at the hall," Fierle said. "We've heard from California and Nebraska. We're looking to do a similar thing. Although, we haven't finalized those plans."
If the California and Nebraska delegations are secured, that would mean about 2,000 to 3,000 visitors.
In addition, Fierle expects to hear from more delegations as the July convention draws closer, but believes some states are holding off because of the uncertainty over who will win the Republican nomination.
"I think the RNC is huge for all of Northeast Ohio," he added. "There's a great momentum going on in Northeast Ohio right now."
The HOF also planned to take the show on the road and do some marketing at the convention center in an effort to convince others to make the one-hour driver down Interstate 77 to the hall.
"We want to let those tens of thousands coming to Cleveland know that just down the road is the most inspiring place on earth," Fierle said.
Visitors will also notice ongoing construction for the Hall of Fame Village.
The $500 million project includes renovating the stadium and it will also bring a medical and performance center, a hotel, restaurants and retail shops. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2019.
The estimated economic impact to the Cleveland area from the RNC has been estimated between $250 and $400 million.
