The University of Houston has been selected by CNN, the RNC and Telemundo as host-site for a Republican presidential candidates’ debate on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016.
The debate will be moderated by CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer from the Moores Opera House, inside of the Moores School of Music. Telemundo News co-anchor Maria Celeste Arrarás, Salem talk radio host Hugh Hewitt and CNN chief political correspondent Dana Bash will join as questioners. The debate will air live on the CNN television networks, CNN.com and in Spanish on the Telemundo network. Telemundo is the only Spanish-language TV network hosting a RNC sanctioned debate this election cycle. In addition, Salem Radio Network will be the exclusive radio provider for the debate.
This debate, sanctioned by the Republican National Committee (RNC), and produced in partnership with Google and Salem Media, is the final GOP debate before the crucial “Super Tuesday” primary elections.
“The University of Houston is honored to serve as the host-site of this important national conversation,” said University of Houston System Vice Chancellor/University of Houston Vice President of Marketing, Communication and Media Relations Richie C. Hunter. “The chance to participate in history isn’t an opportunity taken lightly, and every day, our Cougar community proves time and time again that it’s deserving of a national spotlight.”
Numerous election-related events are scheduled across campus before and after the debate, including voter registration drives, a student watch party, and panel discussions on immigration, gun policy and the intricacies of the primary process.
The debate will be held in the Moores Opera House inside of the Moores School of Music.
Built in 1997 and named in honor of benefactors John and Rebecca Moores, the Opera House is adorned with original Frank Stella art, and home to the Moores School of Music Concert Chorale, the top ranked choir in the world. The venue has hosted noted performers and dignitaries including Sen. Orrin Hatch, First Lady Barbara Bush, Phillip Glass and Audra McDonald.
“There is no venue more striking on campus, and perhaps in all of Houston, than our Moores Opera House,” said Director of the Moores School of Music Andrew Davis. “From its acoustical perfection, to its balance of visual grandeur with intimacy of scale, I cannot imagine a better location to host this national event.”
In addition to the primetime nationwide broadcast by CNN and Telemundo, extensive pre- and post-debate coverage will originate from the UH campus Cullen Lawn. A Google media filing center and post-debate spin room will be set up in the Yeoman Field House.
The University of Houston does not have debate tickets available. All tickets are managed by the Republican National Committee.