Businesses excited about 2016 DNC in Philly

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The managers of local businesses say they are very excited about the Democratic National Convention coming to Philadelphia in the summer of 2016.

Hotels will be filled to capacity and restaurants will be packed.

"I am excited. It made my day today," said Michael Crupcela of the Hard Rock Cafe, which is right on Market Street near City Hall and the Convention Center.

"We're ground floor. This is the best spot in the city to be with the Convention Center above us, Marriott and Loews across the street, so we're centrally located. People don't even have to go outside, they can come right to our building," Crupcela said.

At the Sofitel at 17th and Sansom, the phones started ringing this morning. It wasn't individuals who were calling, but groups and delegations looking to book a block of rooms.

"They'll block rooms. At this point, you'll have to block rooms through the hotel," said Angela Bauer, "because it's far in advance. It's something we want to be selective with."

When the Republicans were here in 2000, 45,000 people attended along with 15,000 members of the media. It resulted in $25 million in hotel revenue alone.

The 2016 DNC is expected to have a much greater economic impact.

Jack Ferguson of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau said it could be anywhere from $170 million to $250 million.

Mayor Michael Nutter also said Thursday that there's another aspect to hosting an event like this - something that he considers "priceless" - and that's the long term impact and impression this city will make on the thousands who attend the convention.