University of Alabama says campus is ready for GOP presidential debate

The University of Alabama says a great deal of preparation has taken place before hosting the state’s first-ever Republican presidential primary debate on Wednesday.

Chad Tindol, UA’s chief administration officer, on Monday discussed preparations for the debate and the impact the event will have on campus, which will also wrap up fall classes this week.

“It’s a great honor to be hosting the (GOP debate) here at the University of Alabama,” Tindol said during a news conference.

More: How to watch Tuscaloosa Republican presidential debate: Start time, channel, moderators

“As a public institution, we don’t take positions on candidates, we don’t take positions on public controversies and issues, but what we do at our best is to serve as a forum for those types of events,” he said.

The debate will begin at 7 p.m. in UA’s Frank Moody Music Building, 810 Second Ave. This will mark the GOP’s fourth debate among candidates seeking the party’s nomination in the 2024 presidential race. Previous debates were held in Wisconsin, California and Florida.

The hosts for the Tuscaloosa debate will be the Republican National Committee and the NewsNation Network. Megyn Kelly of Sirius XM, Elizabeth Vargas of NewsNation, and Eliana Johnson, editor-in-chief of the Washington Free Beacon, will moderate the debate.

Tindoll said a lot of logistical planning has gone into preparation for the debate since this event marks the first time UA has hosted a presidential debate. But he pointed out that UA has had plenty of experience in the past hosting big events, such as Alabama football games.

“This is a new event for us. We’ve certainly hosted presidents, vice presidents and Supreme Court justices but we’ve never had a debate,” Tindoll said.

Tindoll said thousands of UA employees have assisted with the debate planning, including UA’s facilities, parking, logistics and security teams.

Due to the size, about 1,000-seat capacity, of the Frank N. Moody Music Building’s Concert Hall all seating was by invitation only. However, Tindoll said some of those invitations have been reserved for UA students.

Tindoll said Second Avenue will be closed for the debate and will likely reopen on Thursday.

UA is also hosting the Super 7 Alabama High School Athletic Association football championships this week, with the 7A title game between Thompson and Central of Phenix City kicking off at the same time as the GOP debate. The game will be held at Bryant-Denny Stadium, about a mile from the Moody Music Building. 

The Super 7 playoff games continue through Friday.

Tindoll also pointed out that UA is preparing for fall graduation on Dec. 16. UA expects to award nearly 1,800 degrees.

Fall classes end Friday at UA and exam week begins Dec. 11.

Reach Jasmine Hollie at JHollie@gannett.com.