The GOP and CNN will hold a nationally televised debate Jan 26 at UNF’s Lazzara Theater.

The debate is four days before Florida’s presidential primary and will feature seven GOP candidates.

“The representatives from CNN were impressed with our campus, UNF President John Delaney said in a statement. “More than four million people are expected to watch this debate in the United States alone.”

Delaney said it will air on CNN International, CNN Radio and Armed Forces Radio, giving UNF domestic and global exposure.

“Student groups are particularly excited about the event and have asked UNF to work with CNN,” he said. “I have agreed, as I would for any other major event that brings this type of prestige and publicity.”

Tickets for the event will be controlled by CNN. UNF was able to secure the event after negotiations with the Times-Union Center fell through, Delaney said.

UNF Student Body President Matt Brockelman believes the event will help UNF and the students. He said, in a statement to the media, that it will get students further engaged in the democratic process.

“I will be reaching out to the DNC once winter break ends to see if their party would like to have an event on campus as well this semester,” he said. “It’s very important to me, and I believe President Delaney shares this sentiment, that we give equal opportunity to both parties to engage our students.”

Brockelman said he want to nickname the event ““Swoop the Vote.”

“Which party or candidate our students support is up to their individual judgments; my vision is to ensure they have as much up-close-and-personal access to both sides as possible.”