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CONCORD — A shortened Democratic National Convention could spell a big economic impact for Concord.

Any concerns hospitality officials had in Cabarrus County about lost revenue because of a shortened convention are gone. They are now replaced with the hope of tens of thousands of additional visitors. Not to mention a worldwide audience for the community celebration day at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

"Especially with Charlotte Motor Speedway hosting the event on Labor Day, it's a great opportunity to invite these people out to concord and Cabarrus County and just show them what the region has to offer," said Melissa McGill with the Cabarrus Visitors Bureau.

The bureau is still in planning stages for what they will offer DNC guests. However, they are aiming to impress.

"Especially first time visitors this is our chance to show them who we are and give them a great southern hospitality welcome," said McGill.

Terry Crawford with Embassy Suites said he was initially concerned with the official convention being shortened. Yet with 80 percent of the hotel's 308 rooms still reserved for the DNC, and a public Speedway event, Crawford now sees the Community Celebration Day as an even bigger opportunity.

"It depends on the entertainment and I'm sure there's going to be some big name entertainment, and just what those activities are going to be like," said Crawford.

The Speedway event could bring more than 100,000 people, who can still enjoy the shopping, spas and restaurants. The Cabarrus Economic Development Corporation estimates each race brings in $100 million to the community and they anticipate the DNC crowds will drive that economic engine as well.

Area hotels still have a handful of rooms open for regular bookings. However, they say that could change with delegate assignments arriving in mid-March. Some hotels are designated for delegates all the way up to Salisbury.