CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte on Monday released numbers proving last summer's Democratic National Convention is a success.

Before the convention, city leaders estimated that the event would generate some $200 million in revenue, from the security expenses to delegate spending to the host committee contracts with local caterers and other businesses.

On Monday, they said the company hired to study the convention's economic impact determined the convention pumped $163.8 million into the local economy.

The city says 35,000 people attended the three-day event in early September, including delegates and journalists.

The convention was held at the Time Warner Cable Arena, and city leaders say restaurants were filled at night. Occupancy rates at area hotels reached 92 percent, officials said.

After the convention, city leaders said they were thrilled with the national exposure and hope it pays dividends in the future.

“The results of this report reaffirm what we as Charlotteans already know – that the 2012 Democratic National Convention had a tremendously positive impact on our city and our region,” Mayor Anthony Foxx said in a statement. “Not only did it inject millions of dollars into our local economy, it exposed our community to millions of people around the world and put Charlotte on an international stage. Thanks to the work of thousands of people and many partner organizations, the convention continues to be hailed as one of the best ever and a major turning point that will continue to pay dividends for our city for years to come.”