DANVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The international media is descending upon Centre College in Danville, as the small college is in final preparations to host tomorrow's Vice Presidential debate.
It's just over 24 hours until showtime and Centre College is in lockdown mode. The campus is fenced in, literally, and state police are restricting access as security tightens.
Even a statue of Abe Lincoln is required to wear an ID badge.
Still, classes are continuing as usual as students navigate the barricades.
"There are inconveniences, such as not being able to take certain classes in certain buildings, but comparing the ups and downs, a lot more ups," said student Alcina Tran.
"In its long history, Centre has canceled classes only once, and that was due to a blizzard," said debate co-chair Clarence Wyatt. "We kept classes going during the American Civil War."
More than 3,000 media are setting up on campus to cover this "civil war" between Ryan and Biden
"It means more attention to the school, which is a great thing. Our degrees will mean more, right?" said student Joshua Jerome.
For now, it means installing more than 500 phones and 20 miles of cable, building stages, and finding parking for more than 30 satellite trucks.
"You know, it takes a village to host a debate. It actually takes villages to host a debate, and we have about 500 volunteers here on campus, 150 volunteers in the community. The governor has been very supportive," said Centre College spokesman Michael Strysick.
In the "spin room", (which is usually a gymnasium), the Romney-Ryan campaign is already hard at work getting it's message in shape.
This event has brought the Presidential campaign to the front door of this politically active campus.
"The relationship that we have on campus between Democrats and Republicans -- we're very civil, and we get along pretty well, even though we may have opposing views," said Tran.
Then again, perhaps the campaigns can learn from these students.
This event may be a short-term inconvenience for students, faculty and staff, but the benefits will last long after the debate is over.
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