Deal struck to keep big convention in Reno

Reno, close to losing its largest convention, is now virtually assured of retaining the Safari Club International show after promising to "fast track" expansion and renovation of the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.

If the $105-million renovation is finished before the club's February 2002 show, the 32,000-member group has agreed to a four-year commitment to the city, said Reno Mayor Jeff Griffin, chairman of the Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority board of directors.

No contract has been signed, but Safari's board has approved the proposal, which includes free convention center rent in 2002, Griffin said Wednesday.

The estimated economic impact in Reno from each Safari Club show is $40 million, RSCVA officials said.

"I am told we can do this," Griffin said of the "fast track" building process, which will take about a year off the original completion date of December 2002. "We are committed to this business and to this community to get this done."

Safari Club met in Reno earlier this year. It will have its 29th convention in Las Vegas in 2001 and wanted to return to Reno in 2002.

The club began talks with Las Vegas for 2002 when the Reno project appeared it would not be ready.

Club and RSCVA officials feared Las Vegas would require a multi-year commitment, raising the specter that Reno would lose at least $160 million in business if the club had to commit to four years.

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