Hosting a presidential debate requires a lot of … well, everything. Here is a look at what it takes (so far) to make sure one of the most important events in the presidential election season goes off without a hitch. And if you like these, keep coming back. We’ll add more numbers throughout the weekend and after the Oct. 9 debate
Debate prep
The Media Filing Center alone has more than 700 wired network connections. (Photo:
James Byard/Washington University)
50,000+
Feet of cable installed
700+
Wired network connections in the Media Filing Center
100+
Network switches installed
2,500+
Wired network connections overall
60,000 square feet of red carpet was installed in the Sumers Recreation Center (Photo:
James Byard/Washington University)
2,400+
Strands of copper
400+
Strands of fiber
4,800
Linear feet of security fence
60,000
Square feet of carpet
3,251
Signs installed, including window clings, directional signs, banners, and posters in and around the debate hall
Media swag bag
How many tons of groceries will be toted in these after the debates? (Courtesy photo)
5,200
Tote bags
5,572
T-shirts
4,000
Water bottles
3,600
Kickstand media wallets
3,600
Chocolate-covered cookies
3,600
Packets of trail mix
10,000
Lanyards
Student debate swag
Buttons and bears, stickers and temporary tattoos: Our social media team has student swag covered. (Courtesy photo)
3,500
Assorted buttons
5,000
Laptop stickers
4,000
Temporary tattoos
200
Plush bears
2,500
Mobile wallet
Campus involvement
10,239
Students entered into the lottery for a possible debate hall ticket
235+
Student volunteers
20
Staff volunteers (out of 150 applicants)
2,682
New registered student voters (and counting.) Thanks, TurboVote!
Debate weekend food: On-campus catering
285
Loaves of sliced multi-grain bread, according to Bon Appetit
950
Pounds of roasted turkey
2,500
Boxed lunches
5,000
Sandwiches (including both boxed lunches and other orders)
17
Different menus being served by Bon Appetit on debate day alone