Hundreds of UM Students Line Up for Chance at Obama Tickets

Students camp out overnight for chance to see President Obama speak

Hundreds of University of Miami students lined up overnight Wednesday for a chance to see President Barack Obama speak.

Students began lining up around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and by early Wednesday, police estimated there were around 850 in line hoping to get tickets to see Obama's speech at UM's BankUnited Center Fieldhouse Thursday.

Students brought lawn chairs, tents and air mattresses to make their wait more comfortable. Many spent their time watching movies, sleeping and even studying.

The university wouldn't say how many tickets were available, at the request of the White House, but most students said just the chance to see Obama was worth the wait.

"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity, I mean, the chance that I'll get to see another president, it's really slim," said student Shelby Sedberry. "And being here in an election year is really exciting and I can't wait to see what else is in store."

The tickets will be distributed at 8:30 a.m. Officials said students who were in line by 6:30 a.m. Wednesday would get tickets.

Obama will discuss his "blueprint for an economy built to last" at UM, in between a pair of fundraisers.

Contact Us