With the vice presidential debate set to consume campus on October 2, the Washington University Athletic Center will be closing on September 25 to set up for the debate. Normal hours will resume on Monday October 6, but the University has made alternative arrangements for students to exercise.

Bally Total Fitness in Clayton, located at 7393 Forsyth Blvd., will be open free of charge to all students who present their student IDs. Those with a McWilliams Fitness Center pass will also have access the South 40 Fitness Center if they display both the pass and their student IDs, and the South Campus facilities located next to Schnucks will be available by appointment; the South Campus may also be open for general use depending on its demand and availability.

In addition, for four dollars per visit, the Center of Clayton (50 Gay Road) will be open to the community. The state-of-the-art fitness center features two pools, a track, a 500-square foot climbing wall and four gymnasiums.

“I don’t know if they’ll pay four dollars, but anyway, it’s available,” Athletic Director John Schael said.

However, the debate will have little effect on Washington University varsity athletics.

“Luckily, we had not scheduled any home events that were effected by the debate, so we were thrilled about that,” Rob Wild, assistant to the chancellor, said.

Student athletes will continue practices through September 30 since they will still have road games during that time.

“Having the debate here is a wonderful opportunity for the University. It’s such a small price to pay to have such an event here,” volleyball Head Coach Rich Luenemann said about the inconvenience.

After the vice presidential debate this year, the University will have hosted a presidential or vice presidential debate every election cycle since 1992,  with the exception of 1996 when the University was selected to host a debate, but the event was canceled after President Bill Clinton decided not to appear.

“I think that the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) is impressed by the planning and preparation by Washington University, and I think that is the major reason that we are selected for future debates,” Schael said.

Schael also attributes the CPD’s liking of Wash. U. to our campus having “that can-do spirit. Their preparation is impeccable, and they work very hard in terms of their planning, coordinating and execution of the event itself.”

“The venue is just perfect for the candidates who will be participating, and the other facilities that accommodate the needs of the campaign staff are there, and the University just makes an all-out effort to make sure that those who arrive on Wash. U.’s campus feel touched by the friendliness and the warmth of the Midwest,” Schael added.

With all of the arrangements for the debate made, the only uncertainty is how many seats, if any, will be available to students. The only certainty is that students, not faculty and staff, will receive all of the open seats.