Bill Haslam: RNC 'very interested' in bringing its annual convention to Nashville

Former Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam is hopeful that Nashville will host the 2024 Republican National Convention.

Haslam, a Republican who served as governor from 2011-19, told The Tennessean on Thursday that RNC officials are strongly considering Nashville as a potential site.

"I think they are very interested," Haslam said.

Haslam visited with RNC officials in Nashville in February along with Sen. Bill Hagerty and Gov. Bill Lee.

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In May, the Republican National Committee named Nashville a finalist to host the 2024 convention. Milwaukee also is in contention to host the event.

Haslam said Thursday that Nashville's location and its energy make the city a prime location for the convention.

"One of the things I think that helps about being governor is you have a sense of just how well-positioned Tennessee is as a state, and Nashville is obviously right at the heart of that," Haslam said.

Haslam, 63, is expected to become the majority owner of the Predators by July 1, 2025. He is set to purchase 57% of the franchise from current owner Herb Fritch, a 72-year-old healthcare entrepreneur, over the course of three years. Haslam is expected to buy 9% of the franchise this year, followed by 16% over the next three years, though no documents have been signed and the deal won't become final until late this summer or early fall.

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Haslam said his goal is for the Predators and Bridgestone Arena to continue to be "community assets" once he assumes majority ownership.

"We hope it comes to Nashville, just like we hope Nashville continues to attract of a lot of other high-impact visitors who are gonna bring attention to the city," Haslam said.

Emma Healy is a sports reporting intern for The Tennessean. Contact her at ehealy@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @_EmmaHealy_.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Bill Haslam: RNC 'very interested' in bringing convention to Nashville