Convention Center scrutinizes opening party

The price tag to open Pennsylvania's newest, biggest building is $786 million - and not enough, apparently, to cover costs for a grand-opening celebration.

Anticipating the almost-certain clinking of champagne glasses, the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority is weighing how to spend a new $1.75 million state grant it received to fund festivities heralding the opening of Philadelphia's expanded Convention Center.

At first, the money appeared headed to pay for a series of parties and receptions - including $350,000 on food and nonalcoholic drinks, $350,000 on decorations, $45,000 on musical or other talent, and $15,000 on media events, according to the grant application submitted by the center.

But now those plans are being reassessed after a contentious closed-door meeting of the authority's 15-member board Wednesday.

Composed of nine Republicans and six Democrats who are all political appointees (except the chairman), the board is sensitive to any public perception that it is throwing a lavish fete in these troubled economic times, and is consequently recasting the expenditure as "a marketing campaign."

Several Republican members last week privately expressed concern that the use of taxpayer-funded dollars on a high-end party could lead to a no-show on opening day from an important VIP: incoming GOP Gov. Tom Corbett, who campaigned on a platform of fiscal austerity.

The money was distributed June 29 from a discretionary grant, unofficially known as "walking around money" or WAM, that was supported by House Appropriations Committee Chairman Dwight Evans, according to several people. The veteran lawmaker, who last week lost his position as the committee's top Democrat, has been instrumental in securing more than $1 billion for both the original building and the expansion. He also named his longtime ally Ahmeenah Young president and chief executive officer of the Convention Center.

Evans declined Friday to comment on his role in getting the $1.75 million grant, but noted that the funds were approved by the state Department of Community and Economic Development, Budget Secretary Mary A. Soderberg, and Gov. Rendell. "A process was followed," he said.

Besides food and drink, the application, filed last spring, included requests of $320,000 for audiovisual needs, $100,000 for lighting, $100,000 for signs, and $60,000 for print materials.