SAN MARCOS, Texas (Talk1370.com) -- Texas State University will become the first site in the state to host a presidential debate, with the campus selected as the site for the first of four debates leading up to the 2024 presidential election.
Texas State officials and the Commission on Presidential Debates made the announcement Monday morning. The debate is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 16, 2024.
The debate will be held at the Strahan Arena at the University Events Center, which was originally built in 1982 and renovated in 2018. In a basketball configuration, the arena seats 10,000.
The three other debates include the vice presidential debate, set for Sept. 25 at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania; and two more presidential debates set for Oct. 1 at Virginia State University, and Oct. 9 at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.
“It’s fitting that the only university in Texas to graduate a U.S. president will be the first university in Texas to host a presidential debate,” said Texas State University System Chancellor Brian McCall. “This is an exciting time at Texas State, and we can’t wait to showcase our great university before a global audience.”
Lyndon Baines Johnson, 36th president of the United States, graduated from the university in 1930 - then known as Southwest Texas State Teachers College - with a bachelor of science in history with a teaching certificate.
Texas State says it will partner with the City of San Marcos to host the debate.
“On behalf of our university community, TXST is honored to represent Texas on the international stage and to play a direct role in the nation’s democratic process,” said TXST President Kelly Damphousse. “It is especially fitting that TXST will host the debate as we celebrate our 125th year as an institution of higher learning. Supporting our students in becoming engaged global citizens is core to our TXST values and to our legacy. Our university will provide the perfect environment to debate and share ideas that will shape the future of our nation. Thank you to the CPD for giving TXST and our students this incredible opportunity.”
The non-profit Commission has sponsored each general election presidential and vice presidential debate since its founding in 1987.