U to Host 2020 VP Debate

Thirty million people are expected to tune in, and more than 5,000 members of the media will attend as the U hosts the 2020 vice presidential debate this fall. Utah is the only western state selected for one of the three presidential debates and lone vice presidential debate.

This is the first time the Beehive State has hosted a national debate. The Utah Debate Commission and the U worked for more than a year on the bid to host, and the big event will be held in Kingsbury Hall on Oct. 7. Additional details, including format and moderators, will be announced at a later date by the Commission on Presidential Debates.

“It is a tremendous honor to host a vice presidential debate, and we are delighted to have this opportunity to showcase our university and our state,” says U president Ruth Watkins. “I’m excited for our students to be able to participate in this important component of the political process. It will be an incredible educational experience for them. Civic engagement is a core value of our democracy, and students will be able to see firsthand how being involved in the political process matters.”

For updates, visit debate.utah.edu.