Centre News

With thousands of people coming to Centre for the Vice
Presidential Debate, numerous changes are being made on
campus and in town to accomodate everyone while keeping
the event safe.

The Vice Presidential Debate at Centre on 10.11.12 will bring thousands of people to the campus of Centre College, including members of the press, state and national security agents, pundits, politicians and people just coming to enjoy the festivities—not to mention the current vice president of the United States and his challenger, a member of Congress. As such, Centre and Danville have been working hard to ensure that the event is in all ways impressive, enjoyable and safe.

Security for the debate has necessitated road closures throughout town, particularly streets running through Centre’s campus. Certain roads will begin to be closed off on the morning of Tuesday, Oct. 9 and the process will continue through at least 2 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 12.

Additional roads may be closed as needed. The Kentucky State Police encourages drivers to look for alternate routes during the times roads will be closed. For a map of road closures, click here.

Parking on campus on the day of the debate will be mainly limited to media vans and satellite trucks, so Debate Festival attendees are encouraged to walk to campus if possible. Another option, offered by Bluegrass Community Action, is a free day-long shuttle service in Danville by the Bluegrass Ultra-Transit Service (BUS) Program.

Two shuttles—both accessible with wheelchair lifts—will run from 9 a.m. to midnight. The shuttles each offer seats for ten people, plus wheelchair accommodation for two. Pick-up for the Red Line will be near the First Baptist Church on US 127, and for the Blue Line will be near the First Christian Church on Lexington Avenue. The drop-off site for both will be near the corner of Fourth and Main Streets, near the Boyle County Courthouse. For questions about the transit service, call (859) 238-2260.

Parking and road closures will generally be returned to normal throughout the day of Friday, Oct. 12.

The City of Danville has been sprucing up town in advance of the debate, paving roads, trimming trees and painting curbs, benches and trash cans throughout town. The Community Arts Center painted a political mural along Main Street near The Hub encouraging people to vote. Local shops have created debate-themed displays and are offering special political items to promote the event.

Centre and the community are also gearing up to celebrate the debate in a variety of ways. Centre students and members of the community are invited to the Debate Carnival starting at 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 5 on the Breckinridge lawn. The Carnival will feature inflatables, a mechanical bull, music, games and more.

Everyone is also welcome to attend the Debate Festival on Oct. 11, with musicians beginning to perform at noon and ending with the Marshall Tucker Band playing after the debate’s end at 10:30 p.m. Those who attend the festival will be able to watch the debate live on a big screen. The festival is sponsored by AARP, and more information is available here.

For more information about the Vice Presidential Debate, visit Centre’s debate website here.

Have comments, suggestions, or story ideas? E-mail elizabeth.trollinger@centre.edu with your feedback.

Centre College, founded in 1819, is a nationally ranked liberal arts college in Danville, Ky. Centre will host its second Vice Presidential Debate on 10.11.12, and remains the smallest college in the smallest town ever to host a general election debate. For more, click here.