Students waited for up to three hours on Friday to get tickets to see President Barack Obama speak on campus Tuesday at McCamish Pavilion. Students waited between two and three hours with the line stretched from the student center to Howie Physics, wrapping around Tech green.
The doors to the event will open at 10:30 a.m. and although the White House has not yet said what the President will speak about, he will likely speak about higher education.
“I’ve been wanting to see Obama since he was elected President,” said Madhura Ramakrishnan, a first year CHBE standing in line. “[We’ve been waiting] since 1:30. Two and a half hours.”
Tech staff began distributing tickets free of charge starting at 3 p.m.
“I’ve never seen the President ever,” said Alaab Murali, a first year BMED.
“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said a Ieshan Lal, a first year Ph.D. student.
Lal was asked if he had ever seen the President in person before.
“No, that’s why I’m here,” Lal said.
Because of the level of interest in the event, tickets were limited to one per-person.
“Because it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the President,” said Kaela Fennell-Chin, first year BMED. “This never happens.”
