Belmont University announced Friday it will host the third and final presidential debate of 2020.
The Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) selected the Nashville university for the final debate on Thursday, October 22, 2020, less than two weeks before the election, Belmont’s News & Media office said. Belmont hosted a presidential debate in 2008 as well.
The 2020 Presidential Debate at Belmont University will be held in the Curb Event Center.
Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher said, “When opportunity comes knocking, Belmont University eagerly opens the door. This campus is known for swinging at every pitch and embracing big occasions, consistently pursuing ways to defy the status quo in higher education and provide students—and the community at large—with phenomenal learning experiences. Hosting the 2008 Town Hall Presidential Debate put Belmont University at the center of one of the most historic presidential elections in American history. To be selected again is a great honor, and I’m confident that together we will once again exceed expectations in producing this internationally important event.”
The announcement event Friday was attended by Fisher, newly elected Metro Nashville Mayor John Cooper, Tennessee Commissioner of Tourism Mark Ezell, U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (D-TN-05), NewsChannel 5 said.
Blackburn tweeted, “Congratulations to @BelmontUniv for being chosen to host a 2020 presidential debate by @debates! Great to be here to celebrate this exciting news for the Belmont Bruins and for Nashville.”
Congratulations to @BelmontUniv for being chosen to host a 2020 presidential debate by @debates!
Great to be here to celebrate this exciting news for the Belmont Bruins and for Nashville.
— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) October 11, 2019
The 2008 debate at Belmont was a town hall session between U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) and U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL), NewsChannel 5 said. The university served as an alternate host site in 2016.
Belmont said it launched its Debate 2020 website and will be using the #BelmontDebate2020 hashtag throughout the next year.
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Jason M. Reynolds has more than 20 years’ experience as a journalist at outlets of all sizes.
Photo “University of Belmont Campus” by the University of Belmont.
