Students at Central Connecticut State University flipped on their computers and waited anxiously for an email that would give them the chance to see President Obama speak at their school on Wednesday.
“Every single computer was full,” said student Keanii Munoz, who stopped first at the science lab, then headed to the student union in search of a free machine. “Everybody’s been trying to register.”
The link to reigster arrived around noon in a much-anticipated email. Students refreshed their inboxes until the message came, then hoped luck was on their side as they clicked through.
“I finally got the email at 12:08,” said CCSU student Ethan Sadoian. “It took several attempts to get into the registration page [but] I finally did.”
It was too late for Sadoian. He logged onto the Web site to find the 1,000-plus tickets had already been reserved.
Munoz, on the other hand, was more fortunate.
“I’m really excited,” he said. “I was definitely not going to miss an opportunity to see Obama.”
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School officials said the number of students who received tickets was more than double the number of staff members. A line wrapped around the student union Monday afternoon as the winners arrived to claim their tickets.
Obama will focus on his push to raise the minimum wage. He’ll be joined by Gov. Dannel Malloy, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee and Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin.
Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. No bags, backpacks, sharp objects, umbrellas, liquids or signs will be allowed into the gymnasium, according to a release from the White House. Cameras are OK.
Free tickets will be available to the public on a first-come, first-served basis from 4 to 8 p.m. tomorrow at CCSU’s William Detrick Gymnasium in Kaiser Hall at 1615 Stanley Street in New Britain. Tickets are limited to one per person.
Obama will arrive at the Bradley Air National Guard Base on Tuesday.
