University of Utah to Host 2024 Presidential Debate

The University of Utah has been selected by the Commission on Presidential Debates as a presidential debate host site for the 2024 election cycle. On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, qualifying candidates for president of the United States will take center stage at Kingsbury Hall for a moderated debate to be broadcast on all major television networks.

“To have the opportunity to host a U.S. presidential debate is a privilege, and we are thrilled to welcome the world back to the University of Utah,” says U president Taylor Randall HBA’90. 

The general election debates include three presidential debates and one vice presidential debate. All will be broadcast internationally.

“The Hinckley Institute of Politics is dedicated to providing University of Utah students with transformative experiences,” says Jason Perry JD’99, institute director and U vice president for government relations. “Civic engagement and involvement in the political process is particularly critical for college-age students. We know early engagement leads to lifetime participation—which all of our communities and the nation needs. We are honored to provide our students with a front-row seat to national politics in 2024.”

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U successfully hosted the vice presidential debate between then-Vice President Mike Pence and Democratic vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris. Nearly 300 members of local, state, national, and international press filed their stories from a 14,000-square-foot media filing center tent erected on Presidents Circle. 

“Ours is a state on the rise, and I’m certain that Utahns will once again exemplify our hospitality and professionalism on both a national and international stage,” says Utah Governor Spencer Cox. “Our successful hosting of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games and previous site of a vice presidential debate shows Utah is ready for this distinct honor.”

Read more about the debate and watch the announcement press conference.