Updated at 6:06 a.m. Wednesday, April 25, 2012.
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics patients, UI visitors, and people planning to attend today's speech by U.S. President Barack Obama in the Field House should be aware of special measures designed to help the event run smoothly for everyone.
The university encourages anyone attending Wednesday’s speech to demonstrate courtesy and respect toward guests and one another, an expectation for participants and spectators at all campus events.
The event begins around 1 p.m., and doors open at 10 a.m.
Tickets
The University Box Office in the Iowa Memorial Union distributed the last of the tickets to President Obama's speech by mid-afternoon Tuesday, April 24. The free tickets are required to enter the Field House, where the president will give his remarks around 1 p.m. Wednesday.
Meanwhile, ticket holders are reminded that, because of space limitations, having a ticket does not guarantee entry into the Field House and are encouraged to get in line early. Doors to the Field House open at 10 a.m. Wednesday (Please note: Some tickets were misprinted, indicating that doors to Wednesday’s event open at 10 p.m.)
Children 2 years old and younger do not need a ticket. However, strollers are not allowed in the Field House Wednesday.
Security
Ticket holders must enter the Field House through the east side main entrance and will be required to pass through a metal detector.
Attendees are prohibited from bringing into the building backpacks, large bags, umbrellas, large purses, bottles, food, and signs. However, small purses and fanny-packs are allowed. Nonmedia ticket holders are also prohibited from carrying in laptop computers.
No weapons (including mace, pen knives, etc.) are allowed. Attendees may bring cameras (but not camera cases or bags) as well as cell phones.
The Field House will close at its normal time Tuesday, 10:30 p.m., and won’t reopen to the public until after the presidential visit is concluded.
Areas for protesters have been established across from the Field House entrance, on the lawns adjacent to Slater Residence Hall and Rienow Residence Hall.
ADA Access
There is no reserved parking for attendees with disabilities but they may be dropped off in the roundabout in front of the Field House and should use the Northeast entrance. Volunteers will be available to help guide them to a designated area on the main floor. Only one person may accompany a guest with a disability, and both must have tickets to be admitted.
Parking
Parking near the event is extremely limited, and attendees are strongly encouraged to use public transportation.
Hospital patients, employees, and visitors
Patients with clinic visits are advised to expect slight delays Wednesday because of increased traffic levels or time required to park. UI Hospitals and Clinics will provide valet service at the lower level of the Pomerantz Family Pavilion and at the main hospital entrance for the convenience of patients with clinical appointments.
Parking for patients also will be available in hospital parking ramps. Clinic patients—including same day surgery, radiation oncology, and others—have received or will receive personal notification about parking arrangements. Volunteer greeters and staff will be on hand to provide supplemental escort services and directions to patients who may be parking in an unaccustomed location.
No event parking is available in any of the hospital parking lots or ramps.
Patients with questions or concerns may call 319-384-8008 locally, or toll free 800-322-8442 statewide for assistance.
UI employees
University employees wishing to attend Wednesday’s event during scheduled work hours must first check with their supervisors prior to the event to ensure adequate coverage of university operations during their absence.
Individuals may be granted release time by their department, to the extent that the workload allows. Requests for vacation or comp time may also be granted following normal scheduling practices.
Streaming video and other coverage
Those not attending President Obama's speech can watch it via a live video stream on the White House website or via broadcast on University of Iowa Television ( UITV channel information). UITV will rebroadcast the speech at 7 and 11 p.m. Wednesday.
Additionally, University Communication and Marketing will provide live updates via the university's Facebook and Twitter (#obamaatui) pages, as well as post-event coverage on the Iowa Now website.
For additional information and updates, visit Iowa Now.