The Missouri delegation — 102 delegates from throughout the state and seven alternates — lucked out when it comes to location at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C. The Courtyard Marriott at 3rd and S. Tryon streets is two city blocks from the Convention Center and four from the Time Warner Cable Arena, where President Obama will speak Thursday. View map.
The delegates filtered in over the weekend, attending a welcome party at the botanical gardens Sunday night. However, a midnight fire alarm sent the 100-plus Missouri delegates, this reporter and other members of the press, and hundreds of others at the hotel into the street just before midnight.
Authorities cleared the scene of any fire threat and reopened the doors to the hotel’s guests, many of whom were in robes and pajamas, knowing that breakfast at 8 a.m. to kick off the week would come early.
A hotel spokesman says the alarm was pulled in the parking garage, which sits underneath of the guest floors and adjoins other businesses.
“Just someone having too much fun,” he says.
AUDIO:Â Jessica Machetta reports (2:35) — includes quotes from St. Louis area delegates Patricia Bynes, Charlie Dooley, Matt Evans.
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