It’ll probably be the first time so many Republicans were in these college dorms at once.

Karen Farkas of Cleveland.com.

Colleges to provide housing for 2016 Republican National Convention

College residence halls are being secured for the 2016 Republican National Convention, and while dorm rooms may not be opulent, they are close to the action.

Cleveland organizers have reserved 650 residence hall rooms at Cleveland State University and officials have contacted John Carroll University, Baldwin Wallace University and Case Western Reserve University.

The host committee must secure 17,000 rooms for the four-day convention that begins July 18, 2016, and any available space to rent with a bed is an option.

The Republican National Committee’s decision to hold the convention in July instead of mid- to late-August proved to be fortuitious for the local committee and universities.

Residence halls, teeming with students by the end of August, are generally empty during summer.

Host Committee President/CEO Terry Egger said housing at area colleges is part of the overall package of rooms that will be secured for the Republican National Committee.

Local colleges have stepped up in the past to provide lodging for those attending large events in Northeast Ohio, Egger said.

“The universities have always been great – whether it is for the Senior Games or the Children’s Games or the Gay Games,” Egger said. “They have good facilities and close proximity.”