RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) - President Obama's scheduled campaign rally at the Siegel Center Saturday has some folks excited and some a bit miffed around Virginia Commonwealth University's campus.
For twelve hours, leading up to the president's visit, Broad Street from Lombardy to Belvidere will be closed to only foot traffic.
Nearby businesses are gearing up for the visit with hopes that the president might make an unannounced stop in their shops.
“I’m very excited about President Obama coming tomorrow. I know that by me working here at the store I can get a good view of him coming in,” said Terri Gardner, who works at the Barnes and Noble across from the Siegel Center.
And Gardner isn’t the only one in the bookstore who is excited, especially since VCU’s Shaka Smart will the host the rally's pre-program. [MORE: Shaka Smart will host at Obama event on Saturday]
“We’d love to see him in a VCU hat. I know that he picked us in his bracket, so I’m certain he’s a fan,” said Amy Randolph.
However, Edward Remington, the owner of the Coldstone Creamery near the campus, said the visit will create a headache for folks since so many areas will be blocked off.
On the other hand, Remington and Extreme Pizza’s Caleb Privett are hopeful the increased traffic will bring folks hoping to catch a glimpse of the Commander in Chief and the First Lady into their stores.
In fact, thousands of well-wishers are expected to line the route to the Siegel Center.
Both Democrats and Republicans agree that no matter your politics, President Obama's stop in Central Virginia is exciting.
“The President is going to be a block from my house,” said Christine Fraser. “It doesn’t really matter what side you’re on. It’s still crazy either way.”
The rally is scheduled to begin at 4:35 p.m. and doors will open at 1:45. The event is open to the public and tickets are not required for admission.
The President and the First Lady are slated to attend the first official rallies of his re-election campaign in both Columbus and Richmond Saturday.
Both Ohio and Virginia are considered swing states in the 2012 presidential election.
Depend on CBS 6 News and WTVR.com for complete coverage of the President's visit to VCU. CBS 6 will stream LIVE coverage of the event Saturday on WTVR.com and 6.3, our digital channel. You can also get updates on Facebook and Twitter.
Plus, if you're at the rally, make sure to send your photos and video to pics@wtvr.com. We might use one of your photos on TV or on WTVR.com.
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