The University of Michigan will host the second of three presidential debates on October 15, 2020.
The Commission on Presidential Debates made the announcement Friday. The debate format and moderators are yet to be announced. The other two debates will be held at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on October 7 and Belmont University in Nashville on October 22.
The event will be held at the university's Crisler Center, home of the U of M men's and women's basketball teams as well as the women's gymnastics team. The arena seats approximately 12,000.
U of M President Mark Schlissel said, "This is a tremendous opportunity for the university community to contribute to our democracy, while setting an example of civic engagement and shining a light on the outstanding academic strengths of our institution. Public service and civic engagement are at the core of our great university and its history."
According to a press release, events related to the debate will be held throughout campus.
"The university community can anticipate themes related to democracy, the election and the debate—from cybersecurity, to voting rights, to the meaning of truth—to be woven throughout the coming year, providing opportunity to engage with the electoral process, through curricular and co-curricular experiences and various public events enhanced by being a debate site."
In a statement, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Ann Arbor) said, "As one of our nation’s premier public institutions, the University of Michigan is uniquely situated to host a debate experience of the highest caliber at this critical moment in our nation’s history."
The 2020 presidential election will be held on Tuesday, November 3.
