Home

OCTOBER 7 - KINGSBURY HALL U and the 2020 Vice Presidential Debate

"Civic engagement is a core value of our nation and, as we host the 2020 Vice Presidential debate, Utah students will be able to learn about the political process and experience firsthand how being involved matters."
—Ruth V. Watkins, President of the University of Utah

REGISTER TO VOTE

STATEMENT FROM THE COMMISSION ON PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES
September 30, 2020

The Commission on Presidential Debates sponsors televised debates for the benefit of the American electorate. Last night’s debate made clear that additional structure should be added to the format of the remaining debates to ensure a more orderly discussion of the issues. The CPD will be carefully considering the changes that it will adopt and will announce those measures shortly. The Commission is grateful to Chris Wallace for the professionalism and skill he brought to last night’s debate and intends to ensure that additional tools to maintain order are in place for the remaining debates.

ABOUT THE EVENT

The University of Utah has been selected to host the 2020 Vice Presidential Debate on Oct. 7, 2020 at Kingsbury Hall, Nancy Peery Marriott Auditorium.

Moderator: USA Today Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page

Coverage: The Vice Presidential Debate will air live on ABC, CBS, CNN, C-SPAN, FOX, NBC and PBS Utah at 9:00pm ET / 7:00pm MT.
Check your local listings.

IN SOCIAL MEDIA

PROGRAMMING

HINCKLEY INSTITUTE DEBATE FORUMS

LEARN MORE

DEBATE
BINGO

LEARN MORE

2020 ACADEMIC
COURSES

LEARN MORE

Frequently Asked Questions

 

  • Why the university of utah?

    The U strives to be a model public university in delivering unmatched value in higher education and health care, while making social, economic and cultural contributions that improve the quality of life throughout the state, nation and the world. It has vast experience assisting with organization, fundraising, management, security and execution of major events, including the 2002 Winter Olympics. Both the opening and closing ceremonies were hosted on campus, as well as the housing accommodations necessary for the entire Olympic Village. This was during a time of heightened security needs following the 9/11 attacks just months before.

  • Where will the debate be held?

    Kingsbury Hall on Presidents Circle is the chosen location.

  • how do I get a ticket to the debate?

    Tickets available only for University of Utah students.

    Monday, Sept. 28, 2020 all currently enrolled students were notified of a ticket lottery open only to U students. President Ruth Watkins and the debate steering committee have committed every ticket allotted to the University of Utah by the Commission on Presidential Debate to students.

    A ticket portal will open Tuesday, Sept. 29 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. After the form closes, all registrants will be randomized and 300 students will be selected to move into the next round of selection. The number of available tickets is still unknown at this time.

    The final drawing will be hosted by President Watkins and Swoop. More information about a  live drawing will be distributed soon.

    The Vice Presidential Debate will air live on ABC, CBS, CNN, C-SPAN, FOX, NBC and PBS Utah at 9:00pm ET / 7:00pm MT. Check your local listings.

  • I have aNOTHER question who do I contact?

    All debate questions can be directed to debate2020@utah.edu.

The University of Utah

Located in Salt Lake City, the University of Utah is the state’s flagship research public institution. The U enrolls 33,000 students from more than 102 countries and is recognized for pioneering new programs with social impact; generating path-breaking discoveries; fueling critical research; and inspiring innovative approaches to education.

Founded in 1850, the University of Utah offers 72 major subjects at the undergraduate level and more than 90 major fields of study at the graduate level, including law and medicine, the university prepares students to live and compete in the global workplace. Known for its proximity to seven world-class ski resorts within 40 minutes of campus, the U encourages an active, holistic lifestyle, innovation and collaborative thinking to engage students, faculty and business leaders.

About the Utah Debate Commission

The UTDC was established in 2013 to educate voters and promote a civil exchange of ideas among the leading candidates in Utah. The UTDC Board of Directors includes higher education and media representatives, as well as civic and community leaders. Co-chairs include Wayne Niederhauser, Former President of the Utah Senate, and Karen Hale, former state senator and former vice-chair of the Utah Democratic Party.

Welcome to Salt Lake City

Whether you're visiting Salt Lake for business or pleasure, you're in for a great time. If you're still in the planning stages, start by browsing hotels, restaurants, and attractions, and adding them to your Visit Salt Lake trip planner. If you're already here, you can locate a museum or music venue, look up fun Salt Lake events, or find the perfect place to buy a gift, grab a beer, or read a book. We'll also help you plan a Salt Lake ski vacation or see nearby state and national parks, and we have all the tools and resources you need to host a seamlessly successful meeting, convention, or group tour. In short, you've arrived at the ultimate guide to Salt Lake.