LOS ANGELES – Loyola Marymount University has been busy preparing for the next Democratic Debate being held on the Los Angeles college campus.

The local impact of having the front-runners in the race for the White House will mean more traffic and street closures.

There were fears the Democratic Debate would be canceled after all of the presidential candidates threated a boycott amid contract negotiations with LMU union workers and food service provider Sodexo. After a deal was reached on Tuesday all of the candidates are confirmed to take the stage on Thursday.

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Seven candidates will debate on stage on December 19:

  • Bernie Sanders
  • Elizabeth Warren
  • Joe Biden
  • Pete Buttigieg
  • Andrew Yang
  • Tom Steyer
  • Amy Klobuchar

The official confirmations for the debaters were made by the Democratic National Committee on December 12.

LMU President Timothy Law Snyder, Ph.D., released the following statement regarding the debate:

“We welcome the 2020 Democratic presidential candidates to campus, continuing LMU’s long-standing tradition of rigorous inquiry, debate, and civic engagement. As a nationally renowned, highly ranked university in the Jesuit and Marymount traditions, LMU is a destination for world leaders whose ideas confront humankind’s most challenging issues. Together, we seek to create the world we want to live in.”

University of California Los Angeles was originally chosen as the host of the debate, but pulled out due to an ongoing dispute between the University and a labor union.

Will there be road and building closures on campus?

There will be some road closures drivers should look out for from December 18 at 8 p.m. through December 20 at 3:30 a.m.:

  • Loyola Boulevard
  • Ignatian Circle from Rosecrans Lane to Loyola Boulevard
  • Rosecrans Lane
  • Whelan Lane
  • Facilities Lane
  • Burns One Way 

Several buildings will be closed until December 21 on campus due to the debate. Anyone needing a workspace in University Hall can contact the Vice President of Human Resources Rebecca Chandler.

Where can I park?

In an email to LMU students and staff school officials said anyone who does not have an authorized vehicle will not be allowed to use the parking lots. On December 19 the only parking lot available will be in Drollinger and University Hall. 

The following parking lots will be closed:

  • Parking Lots B and C from December 13 at 8 p.m. to December 20 at 5:30 a.m.
  • Parking Lots A and LSB from December 17 at 6 p.m. to December 20 

 

 

Am I allowed on campus?

Anyone walking, driving, or biking to LMU campus on December 19 will need a placard or credentials for access. If you do not have the proper credentials you will not be allowed on campus. 

Placards are issued by LMU Human Resources for students, faculty, volunteers, and staff. For those who do have the required credentials the only location to enter campus will be the Lincolmm Boulevard entrance. The Loyola Boulevard entrance will be closed until December 20 at 5:30 a.m. 

Can I have my own Watch Party?

Watch Party kits can be picked up in-person at University Hall on campus. The kits include buttons, stickers, and a #DemDebateLMU sign to use in photos. The kits are only available for students, faculity, staff, alumni, and parents. 

Sign-up to receive a kit here.