The University of Houston has been selected by CNN, the RNC and Telemundo as host-site for a Republican presidential candidates’ debate on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016.

The debate will be moderated by CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer from the Moores Opera House, inside of the Moores School of Music. Telemundo News co-anchor Maria Celeste Arrarás, Salem talk radio host Hugh Hewitt and CNN chief political correspondent Dana Bash will join as questioners. The debate will air live on the CNN television networks, CNN.com and in Spanish on the Telemundo network. Telemundo is the only Spanish-language TV network hosting a RNC sanctioned debate this election cycle. In addition, Salem Radio Network will be the exclusive radio provider for the debate.

This debate, sanctioned by the Republican National Committee (RNC), and produced in partnership with Google and Salem Media, is the final GOP debate before the crucial "Super Tuesday" primary elections.

“The University of Houston is honored to serve as the host-site of this important national conversation,” said University of Houston System Vice Chancellor/University of Houston Vice President of Marketing, Communication and Media Relations Richie C. Hunter. “The chance to participate in history isn’t an opportunity taken lightly, and every day, our Cougar community proves time and time again that it’s deserving of a national spotlight.”

Numerous election-related events are scheduled across campus before and after the debate, including voter registration drives, a student watch party, and panel discussions on immigration, gun policy and the intricacies of the primary process.

Built in 1997 and named in honor of benefactors John and Rebecca Moores, the Moores Opera House is adorned with original Frank Stella art, and home to the Moores School of Music Concert Chorale, one of the top ranked choirs in the world. The venue has hosted noted performers and dignitaries including Sen. Orrin Hatch, First Lady Barbara Bush, Phillip Glass and Audra McDonald.

“There is no venue more striking on campus, and perhaps in all of Houston, than our Moores Opera House," said Director of the Moores School of Music Andrew Davis. “From its acoustical perfection, to its balance of visual grandeur with intimacy of scale, I cannot imagine a better location to host this national event.”

In addition to the primetime nationwide broadcast by CNN and Telemundo, extensive pre- and post-debate coverage will originate from the UH campus Cullen Lawn. A Google media filing center and post-debate spin room will be set up in the Yeoman Field House.

The University of Houston does not have debate tickets available. All tickets are managed by the Republican National Committee.

Media contacts (for press inquiries only):

P’nina Topham, Director of Media Relations, University of Houston, 713-743-0173, pnina@uh.edu

Lauren Pratapas, Director CNN Communications, 202-465-2920, lauren.pratapas@turner.com



Camilo Pino, Director News and Sports Publicity, 305-322-9584, Camilo.pino@nbcuni.com

Read more about the debate

About the University of Houston

The University of Houston is a Carnegie-designated Tier One public research university recognized by The Princeton Review as one of the nation’s best colleges for undergraduate education. UH serves the globally competitive Houston and Gulf Coast Region by providing world-class faculty, experiential learning and strategic industry partnerships. Located in the nation’s fourth-largest city, UH serves more than 42,700 students in the most ethnically and culturally diverse region in the country.

About CNN Worldwide

CNN Worldwide is a portfolio of two dozen news and information services across cable, satellite, radio, wireless devices and the Internet in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. Domestically, CNN reaches more individuals on television, the web and mobile devices than any other cable TV news organization in the United States. Internationally, CNN is the most widely distributed news channel reaching more than 300 million households abroad; and CNN Digital is a top network for online news, mobile news and social media. Additionally, CNN Newsource is the world’s most extensively utilized news service partnering with hundreds of local and international news organizations around the world. CNN is a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company.

About Telemundo

Telemundo, a property of NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises, is a world-class media company, leading the industry in the production and distribution of high-quality Spanish-language content across its multiplatform portfolio to U.S. Hispanics and audiences around the world. The network features original scripted dramas from Telemundo Studios – the #1 producer of Spanish-language primetime content – as well as non-scripted productions, theatrical motion pictures, specials, news and first-class sports events, reaching 94% of U.S. Hispanic viewers in 210 markets through its 17 owned stations and 52 broadcast and MVPD affiliates.