MADISON (WKOW) -- President Obama hopes to increase his lead in Wisconsin with a visit to Madison Thursday. He's up 11 points in the latest Marquette Law School poll out Wednesday.
His stop on campus is expected to bring out thousands, which means a lot of preparation. Construction on Bascom Hill has been underway for days.
"We have a lot of activity in preparation for a significant event in size and scope," says Vice Chancellor for University Relations Vince Sweeney.
Wednesday, TVs, speakers, risers and a stage were all added to the university mall. School officials say this is the third sitting president to visit the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 60 years. .
Sweeney said, "The student experience, the experience of attending UW-Madison, you know, I think this is pretty special."
Such a large scale event will disrupt classes, parking and traffic. University Police Sgt. Aaron Chapin says planning extra time downtown Thursday is critical.
"There's a lot of work that goes into it but I think it's something that everybody in our department, everybody who's involved in it is going to remember for the rest of their lives," Chapin says.
Students on both sides of the political spectrum said they're excited for the President's visit.
"Just because I don't agree with all his policies doesn't mean that I don't respect him," said Bradley Simon, a senior student at UW-Madison.
Thomas Ramsey, a 5th year student at UW-Madison, says he thinks Madison will welcome the President after his first debate. "It's a very liberal city so a lot of people are pumped and excited so it should be a good time," he said.
President Obama visited campus in 2010. Officials estimate nearly 20,000 people were on Bascom Hill for that appearance.
