Martinez Center Set To Host Presidential Town Hall

TAMPA, Fla. - For the first time in The University of Tampa's history, a sitting president will visit the institution as President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden will host a town hall meeting on Thursday inside the Bob Martinez Sports Center.

"It's truly an honor to have the University selected to host the president's event," Athletic Director Larry Marfise said. "There is a great deal of excitement about the meeting being hosted in the Bob Martinez Sports Center."

Marfise sees the visit as having incredible value to the students of the University.

"It's a great opportunity for our students to see living history. Regardless of political preference, he is the president of the United States and this may be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see a president in person."

The presidential appearance is a rare occasion for the campus to witness all that is involved in hosting such an event.

"This gives the UT community an opportunity to see the massive undertaking that goes along with having the president here," Marfise said.

With the winter sports in full swing and the spring seasons just days away from beginning, a takeover of the central hub of UT athletics from an outside group could be seen as a major inconvenience. This interruption could not be farther from a nuisance, however. In fact, it's quite an honor.

"It's a historic feeling," senior Tiara Cook of the women's basketball team said of having Obama speak in the gym in which she has played through her UT career.

The team has had to alter its practice schedule and will train at an off-site gym on Wednesday.

"It's just a gym. We just need some balls and a couple baskets. It's not a disturbance at all."

The Martinez Center has a seating capacity of 3,432 and has hosted numerous special events since opening in 1984. Tickets will be required for the Thursday event and will be distributed in the lobby of the Martinez Center on Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, visit www.ut.edu.