Drake is proud to once again partner with CNN in hosting a nationally televised GOP presidential primary debate. The GOP primary debate will be held in historic Sheslow Auditorium on Wednesday, Jan. 10—just five days before Iowa’s first-in-the-nation caucuses.

This is the fifth presidential election cycle in a row that Drake has hosted a nationally televised debate, having hosted three democratic debates and now three republican debates since 2007. The debate will air live on CNN, CNN International, CNN en Español and CNN Max.

Drake’s mission statement promises students an exceptional learning environment, and hosting the debate exemplifies this commitment.  The debate brings national attention to our University, and we expect a number of national and international press as well as many other visitors to the campus.

In addition, the Drake Men’s Basketball Team will host Indiana State at the Knapp Center on Wednesday evening. Both teams are currently tied for first place in the Missouri Valley Conference.

In order to facilitate these two events, the following traffic accommodations, as well as road and building closures, will be in place.

• Carpenter Ave. will be closed to traffic Friday, Jan. 5, from 5 p.m. until Thursday, Jan. 11, at 8 a.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 10: 

• The Olmsted Center will be closed to the public.
• The Olmsted Lot (lot 16) will be closed to the public.
• Cole Hall will close to the public at 12 p.m.
• Old Main will close to the public at 1 pm.
• Guest for the Debate will be directed to park in the Harkin Lot (lot 24 and 24A).
• Guest for the Men’s Basketball game is asked to park in the Fac Lot (lot 1), Tennis Center Lot (lot 4) and Handicap lot (lot 3).

Thank you in advance for assisting us in making these events successful and safe.

— Scott Law, Executive Director for Public Safety