http://www.umd.edu/umnews/obama0909a.cfm
“”As you know, President Barack Obama will visit the University of Maryland on Thursday, September 17, 2009, to hold a rally on the issue of health care. Below are details about the event.
DATE/TIME: Thursday, September 17, 2009, 11:00 a.m.
DOORS OPEN: 9:00 a.m.
TICKETS: This event is free and open to the public. NO TICKET IS REQUIRED. Space is available on a first come, first served basis.
SEATING IN THE COMCAST CENTER: Seating will be on a first come, first served basis. Please follow usher directions.
DEAF/HARD OF HEARING: There will be a sign-language interpreter at the event. A limited number of seats will be held in the Comcast Center for deaf or hard of hearing guests. After you pass through security, please go to one of the “Help” stations inside the Comcast Center and a volunteer will direct you. Please note that seating is limited and will be provided on a first come, first served basis.
PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION: Faculty, staff and students should park in their designated areas. However, because we expect a large crowd, please follow directions from official personnel. If you are directed to an alternate parking area, you may leave your car there all day without penalty. There will be NO parking allowed in Lot P2. We strongly encourage members of the campus community to take public transportation and car pool to work on Thursday. If you plan to drive, please consider arriving early.
Members of the general public should use public transportation.
Limited accessible parking will be available in the Terrapin Trail/Arena Garage off of Route 193.
SHUTTLE BUSES: Free shuttle buses will be provided by the University of Maryland to and from the University of Maryland-College Park Metro Station (Green Line) starting at 6:00 a.m. on Thursday until two hours following the event. The shuttle buses will drop off as close to the Comcast Center as possible, but there will be a short walk to the entrance. Regular shuttle bus service to and from the Metro Station will resume for the remainder of the day.
SECURITY: All attendees will go through airport-like security and should bring as few personal items as possible. NO back packs, no bags, no large purses, no sharp objects, no umbrellas, no food or beverages, no strollers, and no signs will be allowed into the Comcast Center. These items cannot be left outside unattended, so please do not bring them. Cameras are permitted.
CONCESSIONS: The concession stands will be open inside the Comcast Center. Light snacks and beverages will be available.
OVERNIGHT CAMPING: Lining up overnight will NOT be permitted. Lines may begin forming at 5:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 17. Please follow police direction for the line.
CLASSES: Classes will continue following normal university practices.
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES: All administrative operations will continue as usual.
Again, on Thursday we can expect a large crowd, additional traffic, changes in traffic patterns, and possible changes in parking. Please check the University of Maryland home page for updates on any changes that develop.
We thank you for your patience and understanding.
Sincerely,
Nariman Farvardin, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
Linda Clement, Vice President for Student Affairs””
BS - tickets WERE given out. One lady standing with us was looking to see where the line to get in was. She was told that without a ticket she would have to wait till the 'ticket holders' get in and then they can get in.
[Mr] T