RNC planners take keys to Xcel on Monday
by The Associated Press

ST. PAUL -- The keys to Xcel Energy Center are about to be handed over to Republican National Convention planners.

Crews hired by the Republican Party will begin retrofitting the hockey arena Monday for the political convention that starts on September 1st.

Arena public relations manager Kathy O'Connor says ``seats and suites'' are the first orders of business. The GOP contractors plan to remove 3,000 seats as they build a stage and convert suites into hospitality rooms and TV network broadcast centers.

O'Connor says regular visitors to the Xcel will notice the interior's different look for the convention, where Republicans will nominate John McCain for president.

The party is responsible for returning the arena to its original condition once the convention ends.