12 months of planning, 4000 volunteer hours, 200 sponsored events, 63 million viewers, 90 minutes of debate, 2 candidates:
The most important election of our lifetime.
Belmont University proudly hosted the final 2020 Presidential Debate in a year unlike any other. The combination of a global pandemic, political division, and social unrest set the stage, quite literally, for this unprecedented moment. Held on October 22, the debate brought national recognition to Belmont and Nashville just twelve days before the 2020 election. #BelmontDebate2020 showed the nation that civic dialogue and finding common purpose was still possible.
This student-produced digital exhibit documents the university’s journey from the initial announcement to the event itself. Join us as we explore three themes: preparing for the debate, inside the debate, and outside the debate.
PREPARING FOR THE DEBATE
No one could have anticipated the trials that 2020 would bring to the debate preparation process. Planning was integral to the success of the event. However, the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic forced a total reimagination of the event. Belmont and the Commission on Presidential Debates worked tirelessly to make this debate happen and to ensure everyone’s safety.
INSIDE THE DEBATE
There is no doubt that October 22, 2020 will be remembered as a historic day in Belmont’s 130-year history. After months of preparations and programming, the day finally arrived. From the candidates to important attendees to the long awaited debate, Belmont University was poised to host the event of a lifetime.
INSIDE THE DEBATE
There is no doubt that October 22, 2020 will be remembered as a historic day in Belmont’s 130-year history. After months of preparations and programming, the day finally arrived. From the candidates to important attendees to the long awaited debate, Belmont University was poised to host the event of a lifetime.
OUTSIDE THE DEBATE
Media presence created a buzz on campus and the red and blue lights illuminating the Curb Center and Bell Tower provided the perfect ambiance. Although campus was closed on debate day, many people gathered along the perimeter. See how media influenced the Belmont community, outside demonstrators, and public sentiment about the debate.
DEBATE TIMELINE
The debate may have taken place on October 22, 2020, but it was only one part of a much longer campaign season. Take a journey through time that begins with Belmont’s bid to host a presidential exhibit and runs through the weeks following the election.
DEBATE TIMELINE
The debate may have taken place on October 22, 2020, but it was only one part of a much longer campaign season. Take a journey through time that begins with Belmont’s bid to host a presidential exhibit and runs through the weeks following the election.
1900 Belmont Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37212
www.belmont.edu
News | Give | Campus Maps | Contact Us