EAST LANSING, Mich. ─ Sen. Barack Obama will hold a Change We Need rally Oct. 2 at Michigan State University.

“As a globally engaged institution committed to advancing knowledge and transforming lives, Michigan State University has a rich tradition of visits by leading public figures to its East Lansing campus,” said MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon. “Barack Obama’s scheduled rally is in this tradition. We look forward to our campus being featured as a free and open marketplace of ideas that so invigorates and educates us.

“We expect the weeks ahead to offer many opportunities for learning about candidates, their positions, and their ideas that address challenges facing the nation and our state,” she added.

For more on MSU’s faculty expertise and policies regarding the Elections of 2008, visit a specially prepared Web site at http://special.news.msu.edu/election08.

Sen. Barack Obama rally at Michigan State University

Time/date:  Thursday, Oct. 2; gates open at 11:30 a.m. and program begins at 2:30 p.m.

Location:  Adams Field, West Circle Drive, near the Music Building

Directions:  The following roads on campus will be closed from 1 p.m.  to 5 p.m.: southbound Abbot Road beginning at Grand River Avenue; westbound West Circle Drive from Abbot to Beal roads; eastbound West Circle Drive will be limited to one lane in front of the IM Sports Circle.

Parking:  Beginning at 5 a.m., there will be no parking available to the public, staff, faculty or students along West Circle Drive, except for limited spots east of Kalamazoo Street. Faculty and staff are encouraged to park in Ramp 6 next to Morrill Hall, Lot 62 East north of Spartan Stadium, Ramp 2 next to the Computer Center and Lot 7 behind Old Horticulture. The public is encouraged to park in Lot 62 West in front of IM Sports West, Lot 79 south of Spartan Stadium, or Lot 39 across from the International Center. Parking at the Breslin Center will NOT be available that day.

Tickets: The event is free. Admission is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Media:  Preset time for satellite trucks is 8:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Parking spaces along West Circle Drive between the Music Building and IM Sports Circle will be available. Print and broadcast media can secure credentials at http://my.barackobama.com/page/s/mediarsvp.

Security: Bags will not be allowed at the rally, and officials urge attendees to limit personal items. No signs or banners are allowed.

###