WSU President David Hopkins said Tuesday that Wright State is withdrawing as host of first presidential debate scheduled for Sept. 26 at Nutter Center.
He cited escalating costs for security and the inability to raise enough money from community and state to cover what could be as much as $8 million to host the event.
Hopkins said Tuesday in an exclusive interview that he was motivated in part by security concerns raised by the recent attack in Nice, France.
“I can’t assure the safety of our students and the community,” Hopkins said.
Earlier this month, officials said the debate was expensive, but worth it.
Hopkins informed the Commission on Presidential Debates at noon today, and hopes to recoup at least some of the $2 million fee that was paid to the Commission in advance. Approximately $500,000 had been spent already on Nutter Center upgrades.
Maybe they can host the Democrat Convention the next time around. Nutter Center sounds like the perfect venue.