Boston University has officially agreed to open approximately 200 dormitory rooms in three residences to some of the thousands of people expected to attend this summer’s Democratic National Convention, according to materials provided by DNC organizers.
Rooms in the three buildings, which include the Student Residences at 10 Buick St., will be available for a flat rate of $54 a night, according to DNC press materials. The convention will run from July 26 to 29.
Each BU room will offer air conditioning, two twin beds, desks and a private bathroom, according to a press release. In 10 Buick St., convention-goers will be able to use the rooms’ small kitchens, though food will not be provided.
Riley said DNC organizers will be responsible for logistical issues, including room assignments and prices.
BU originally notified convention planners in mid-2002 that they would be willing to house convention-goers and originally offered to house as many as 1,600 people in residences ranging from 10 Buick St. to Warren Towers. Director of Housing Marc Robillard said he does not know which buildings will be opened for the convention, and representatives from the DNC could not be reached for comment this week.
Harvard Business School and Northeastern University have also agreed to house visitors during and prior to the convention.
Housing non-students during the summer is common at BU, according to university spokesman Colin Riley, who said conference rooms, classrooms and dormitories are always available for rent when students leave for break.
“This is something we do every year,” he said. “We have more room space than any non-hotel in the city. We offer rooms for athletic camps, educational conferences and academic programs as well as programs affiliated with the university.”
Because there is plenty of space available over the summer, renting out the rooms will generate revenue for the university, Riley said. BU will also get a promotional benefit from the convention, Riley said, as hundreds of people will get to see the campus and its facilities when they would not have otherwise.
BU’s location directly on a subway line connected to the FleetCenter, where the convention will take place, makes BU an attractive place to stay, Riley said.
Although the convention will not begin until July 26, BU College Democrats President Shawn White, a College of Arts and Sciences senior, said the club is already anticipating its arrival.
“Everyone in the group wants to be a part and help out and volunteer,” White said. “We’re giving out contact information, but right now it’s still in the planning stages.”