RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Bernie Sanders will be in Richmond today to rally voters ahead of Super Tuesday. Earlier this week, Sanders’ campaign announced the rally was moving to a larger venue due to an ‘overwhelming response.’

The rally, originally going to be held at The National, is now being moved to the Arthur Ashe Junior Athletic Center. The National holds roughly 1,500 while the Arthur Ashe Center can hold about 6,000 people.

8News political analyst Rich Meagher told 8News on Tuesday that the change of venue shows that enthusiasm for the Sanders’ campaign is even bigger than they thought.

“Having a candidate come to your back yard will also spur interest in that candidate,” Meagher said. “It may not mean you will go to the rally or check them out but it does mean there will be more media attention, there will be more description of the person, and awareness of that candidate.”

“For a small city like Richmond, that’s a pretty sizable number to come out during the week, to a campaign rally for someone who isn’t even the nominee for their party yet,” Meagher continued.

Meagher believes more eyes will be on the state of Virginia as the lead up to Super Tuesday continues.

RELATED COVERAGE Bernie Sanders coming to Richmond ahead of Super Tuesday

“It’s been really sleepy here because all the focus has been on the other primary states,” Meagher said. “It’s almost like they’re playing catch up now, to go to all these other states that are going on Super Tuesday, so we’ll actually get a flurry of activity in Virginia because that’s the time when our state becomes important.”

He adds a visit from candidates – days before an election – could sway undecided voters.

“It’s not just getting people to the rally,” Meagher says, “it’s bringing attention to the city to the fact that this candidate exists, they care about the state, and they want to win it.”

Check out the details for the event:

Thursday, February 27:

3:30 p.m. Richmond Rally, Arthur Ashe Junior Athletic Center, 3001 N Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond, VA 23230. Tickets are not required but RSVP is encouraged. Doors open at 2 p.m.

LATEST HEADLINES: