Penn State prepares for political conventions

The next steps in the 2016 presidential race are about to begin as both major parties prepare to kick off their national conventions within driving distance of Centre County.

But if you can’t make the trip to Cleveland or Philadelphia, don’t worry. Penn State has you covered.

On Friday, the university announced that it would be providing an opportunity for people to watch the “extensive media coverage” of the two conventions on campus.

It will start with the Republicans in Ohio on Monday.

Television screens in the News and Microforms Library on the ground floor of West Pattee Library will show the Republican National Convention coverage from C-SPAN, CNN, Fox News and MSNBC from 2 to 9 p.m. all four days.

Highlighted speakers for the week will include former candidates and Republican officials, leading up to the official acceptance of the nomination by Donald Trump and his newly announced running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence.

The same thing will happen a week later for the Democrats’ gathering in the City of Brotherly Love.

That event features a slate of speakers such as President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Sen. Bernie Sanders and the presumptive nominee, Hilary Clinton.

Schedules are available at the News and Microforms Library webpage.

The viewing is free, but seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

This story was originally published July 15, 2016 at 6:55 PM with the headline "Penn State prepares for political conventions."