They won’t let presidential candidate Ron Paul have the floor during the Republican National Convention (RNC), so he’s found his own. And it is an historic floor at that. The maverick Paul has booked Williams Arena on the University of Minnesota campus for Sept. 2. The event, billed as a "mini-convention," will occur on the second day of the RNC in St. Paul.

As previously reported by the Minnesota Independent, Paul confirmed last week than an event was being planned, and the candidate’s ardent supporters had long been planning a "Ron Paul Revolution" in St. Paul during the RNC. Paul campaign spokesman Jesse Benton told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that "the buzz we get from supporters is that they are very eager to come to St. Paul and very eager to send a strong message."

The move is certain to garner significant media attention. Whether the event will steal McCain’s spotlight or embarrass the Republican Party remains to be seen. For his part, Paul has remained committed to his party, focusing his efforts on realigning the values that guide the GOP. His supporters, on the other hand, are a more enthusiastic and well-organized group that is intent on being heard.

The Paul campaign is hoping for 11,000 faithful to pack into the 14,625-seat arena, which features a unique raised floor and is affectionately known as "The Barn." Located on the East Bank portion of the Minneapolis campus, Williams Arena isn’t far from downtown St. Paul and the Xcel Center, the RNC organizers can at least be thankful that the Central Corridor light-rail project has not yet been built.