the united states 2008 republican national convention took place at the xcel energy center in saint paul, minnesota, from september 1, through september 4, 2008. the first day of the republican party's convention fell on labor day, the last day of the popular minnesota state fair, though because of hurricane gustav, this day was mostly a call for action to help victims and formal, required activities; most of the politicking and partying did not start until tuesday, the second scheduled day.