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ASU takes national stage during debate

The eyes of the world focused on ASU and the Valley of the Sun Oct. 13, when the university played host to the third and final presidential debate.

The event capped more than a year of intense planning and preparation at the Tempe campus. Some 2,500 media representatives from outlets around the world, along with the candidates, political pundits and leaders converged on Gammage Auditorium and the 32,000-square-foot Media Filing Center, a temporary, fully equipped newsroom constructed especially for the debate.

The first presidential debate ever held in Arizona was co-hosted by the city of Tempe and underwritten by the generous support of sponsors.

Attending the debate became a reality for some lucky ASU students. About 225 had their names drawn in a lottery that attracted more than 15,000 applications.

The ASU community embraced its role as host with gusto. Among the many debate-related activities were a simulcast at Well Fargo Arena that attracted thousands of students and local residents; a variety of panel discussions, lectures and exhibits focusing on presidential politics; a debate night dinner, led by ASU President Michael Crow for local and state political leaders; and live cable television broadcasts from sets located on campus.