Presidential debate confirmed for Miami

U. of Michigan backs out over virus concerns

Miami’s Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts is set to host a presidential debate between President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden in October.

The Commission on Presidential Debates confirmed the news Tuesday morning after the University of Michigan withdrew its plans to host the event, citing coronavirus concerns.

“Given the scale and complexity of the work we are undertaking to help assure a safe and healthy fall for our students, faculty and staff and limited visitors — and in consideration of the public health guidelines in our state as well as advice from our own experts — we feel it is not feasible for us to safely host the presidential debate as planned,” Mark Schlissel, the president of the University of Michigan, said in a statement Tuesday.

The debate will take place in Miami on Oct. 15

from 9 to 10:30 p.m. ET and will have a single moderator, which the commission said it will choose and announce in September.

It will be the second of three presidential debates this election year. The first is scheduled for Sept. 29 at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, and the final debate is set for Oct. 22 at Nashville’s Belmont University.

Johann Zietsman, the Arsht Center’s president and CEO, issued a statement on the center’s behalf Tuesday.

“We are honored to have the opportunity to represent Miami on the global stage and to play a small role in the democratic process,” he said.

“In anticipation of this event, the Arsht Center will implement a series of new measures for everyone’s safety and peace of mind. They include reinforced hygiene practices with Arsht Center staff, enhanced cleaning protocols and, likely, requiring guests to follow additional safety practices.”

Zietsman also said the commission will likely announce its own safety protocols as the debate nears.

The Adrienne Arsht Center hosted the first debates between the Democratic candidates for the party’s presidential nomination back in 2019.

WILFREDO LEE/SOUTH FLORIDA SUN SENTINEL The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami will host the second presidential debate on Oct. 15.