If you go:
—Enter College Green through the Court Street gate. Bring your ticket.
—The gates open at 3 p.m. Line up early.
—President Obama is expected to speak at about 6 p.m.
A week after President Barack Obama’s campaign contacted Ohio University’s College Democrats, the campus is swarming to prepare for the event.
Representatives from Obama’s campaign contacted College Democrats’ President Shannon Welch, who then alerted Ryan Lombardi, interim vice president for Student Affairs.
“Event Services is helping with the venue, but it’s not (the university’s) event — we’re just supporting it,” said Jenny Hall-Jones, interim dean of students.
She said OU is not allowed to host campaign events.
The number of OU officials working the event is not yet available and neither are the event’s costs to OU, said University Spokeswoman Katie Quaranta.
The gates open at 3 p.m. with the line starting on Court Street, going west on President and Union streets before Obama is expected to speak at about 6 p.m., according to a news release.
OU classes will not be canceled.
Closed Roads
Several roads will be closed, according to the release, including Union Street, between South Congress Street and East Green Drive; South Court Street, between Park Place and East Washington Street; University Terrace, between Park Place and East Union Street; and South College Street, between East Union Street and East Washington Street.
There are also several roads that will be closed from foot traffic.
The east sidewalk of South Court Street and East Union Street, between South Court Street and University Terrace, will be closed from foot traffic.
University Terrace, between Park Place and East Union Street; and South College Street, between East Union Street and East Washington Street, will be closed to pedestrian traffic, but not residents.
Closed Offices
Athens City’s auditor, treasurer and recorder’s offices will be closed.
Alden Library will be open but only accessible from the handicapped entrance on Park Place.
Chubb Hall, which includes the offices of the Bursar, Registrar and Student Financial Aid and Scholarships will close at 11 a.m.
Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium, Galbreath Chapel, Wilson Hall, Cutler Hall and McGuffey Hall must be vacated before 11 a.m., according to the release.
Parking
About 500 of OU’s campus parking spots will be closed because of the event, said Marty Paulins, director of OU Transportation and Parking Services, who added he does not expect it will be a problem.
“That whole side of (West Green) campus will have no impact at all,” Paulins said.
Most parking lots that border South Green drive will be open, with the exception of Lot 79 — all spots in the lot will be open, except for the front row. Those driving should check online to make sure the lot is open first, Paulins said.
“You may have to walk a little farther, but it’ll be a nice 70-degree day,” he said.
Peden Stadium will offer parking spots for those with a handicapped placard, according to the release.
Security
OU representatives will be near the dormitory buildings to answer any student questions, and many buildings will have extra security, said Peter Trentacoste, executive director of Residential Housing.
Some students will be required to lower their blinds during specific hours, Trentacoste said.
“We can’t have those blinds open, or you’ll have a visitor,” Trentacoste added.
Obama for America members from surrounding counties will be volunteering, though Welch said the number is unknown.
Attendees will be required to go through airport-like security. No bags, sharp objects, umbrellas, liquids or signs will be allowed. However, cellphones, cameras and strollers for small children are permitted, according to the release.
Tickets
College Democrats handed out about 2,000 tickets Sunday — the first day possible to get tickets. However, Welch said it is difficult to estimate how many tickets have since been distributed.
Lombardi estimated College Green’s capacity to be from 7,000 to 10,000.
Tickets are categorized by color: White tickets are general admission, while green, blue and red are priority access, she said.
sj950610@ohiou.edu
