GOP Primary Debate Preparations

USF will be in the spotlight once again on Monday as it hosts the Republican Primary Debate. The University is co-sponsoring the debate with The Tampa Bay Times, The National Journal, NBC News and the Florida Council of 100.

Engineers have been drilling and hammering as they set up the stage for Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum and Ron Paul.

NBC's news anchor Brian Williams will moderate the debate as it airs live on NBC.

University Police Lieutenant Chris Daniels says with events of this magnitude, his department tries to collaborate with Tampa Police and Hillsborough's Sheriff Department.

"Between the collaborative efforts and the resources that been offered up by other agencies, we're well prepared for the populations or any other contingency that arises," he said.

There will be heightened security, heavy traffic, and some parking lot closures on campus. Daniels suggest planning your routes ahead of time.

Several groups are planning to protest the debate including Fight Back Florida, Students for A Democratic Society, Occupy Tampa and Occupy USF, and Awake The State.