WESTERVILLE, Ohio —The fourth of 12 Democratic presidential primary debates will be held in Ohio at Otterbein University.

• Otterbein University is a private school that's less than one square mile
• The school has hosted big events like former Ohio governor John Kasich’s State of the State address and individual campaign events
• The school is working with CNN and uptown merchants to get things like banners and technical assistance during the week and night of the debate, as a way to highlight the local community

Otterbein University is a private school in Westerville. It's less than one square mile.

While it's not the first time that the small-town school has hosted big events, like former Ohio governor John Kasich’s State of the State address and individual campaign events, it is the first time the school will host a presidential primary debate.

Piece by piece, crews move at a steady pace, pulling up the hardwood at the Rike Center on the campus of Otterbein University.

Michael McGreevey, vice-president for institutional advancement says, "It's happening pretty fast. So, it's requiring really all-hands-on-deck to make sure we're prepare.”

While they load it up, a four-man team back inside takes apart the weight room walls, hauling away glass, and clearing the way for the next Democratic presidential primary debate in this arena.

McGreevey's leading the way.

"It's been a lot of work but so worth it," McGreevey said.

Across campus, things are quieter, but that'll change, as Cowan Memorial Hall, typically used for performances, becomes host for the debate night watch party.

It's where students, faculty and alumni who can't snag a ticket can come.

Meanwhile, McGreevey says they're in constant communication with CNN, the City of Westerville and police.

He couldn't comment on security measures but said they're definitely working with neighboring communities. And they're talking to other schools.

"We talked to Texas Southern just the other day to get a good glimpse of lessons learned, best practices and see how we can take what they learned and apply it to our situation here," said McGreevey.

One of the biggest challenges they face is parking, since the campus is so small, but McGreevey believes they've got a plan.

"It'll be a convenient perimeter or radius for people to either drive in, get dropped off for the shuttles that will run," McGreevey said.

McGreevey says freeing up faculty parking and having students on fall break will allow them to make room for guests.

But anyone coming to campus over the next week or so should be prepared.

“Clearly, as we build up towards the 15th, there'll be extra road closures, certain buildings that will need to be...the hours changed," said McGreevey.

As the national spotlight is about to be turned onto this school of three thousand students, faculty and students are preparing too.

"I know our faculty are really excited both to step out and give viewpoints and give opinions and give research, but also how to bring it into the classroom," said McGreevey.

School officials say they're ready for the school to be put on the map. They're also ready for the opportunities that the debate will bring their way, as the school isn't just transformed for a debate, but for a bigger and brighter future.

"We've almost just been a really best kept secret and I think the secret's getting out. And we're excited about that," said McGreevey.

The school says they, along with CNN, are also working with uptown merchants to get things like banners and technical assistance during the week and night of the debate. They say it's a way to highlight the local community. 

25,000 people requested tickets but only a few hundred will get one.

Each campaign has been allotted a certain amount of tickets. The DNC and the Ohio Democratic Party are notifying winners of those tickets now.