Barclays one step closer to hosting DNC

Brooklyn has made it to the final three!

The Democratic National Committee announced on Monday, November 24 that New York City – which had centered its application for the event on Barclays Center — is one of the three finalists to host the 2016 Democratic National Convention (DNC).

It’s only appropriate, opined Mayor Bill de Blasio, who lobbied this summer for the event to be held in Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. “The story of Brooklyn, the meaning of Brooklyn, the personality of Brooklyn means so much,” he said. “It sends a message about where we all need to go. And this is so powerful.”

The other two finalists announced are Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Columbus, Ohio. A final decision on the winning city is expected early next year.

The news was saluted by local leaders. “I am excited to hear New York City has been selected as a finalist to host the Democratic National Convention in 2016 and there’s no better place than right here in Brooklyn,” said Councilmember Vincent Gentile. “One in seven Americans can trace their roots to Brooklyn so history shows Brooklyn is at the crossroads of our country. We too are quickly becoming the crossroads of the world with the cultural and racial diversity of our hometown.”

“Brooklyn’s diversity makes us the perfect host city, as we truly are a melting pot of Democrats from across the nation and the world,” contended President and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Carlo Scissura. “Brooklyn is one of the coolest places on the planet – and we’ve never been better – and the Barclays Center is the best arena in the country, so if the Democratic National Committee wants to have the greatest convention they’ve ever had, there’s no doubt that it should be held right here in Brooklyn.”

Barclays, De Blasio agreed, is an ideal venue for such an event. “It’s one of the – obviously – newest and best arenas anywhere in the country,” he stressed. “It’s a great place for the delegates to have the experience they deserve to have at such a crucial historic moment.”