Sure, you are coming to cover the debate and but in case you’re interested in knowing more about the setting for this historic event, we have some activities, experts, photo ops and story ideas that will help add color and depth to your reporting.
Find out more at The Citadel information desk in the media filing center or contact us through one of the sources listed at the bottom of this page.
8 a.m. – Citadel information desk opens in Mark Clark Hall
(Phone number at desk: 843.425.1177)
(Phone number at desk: 843.425.1177)
10 a.m. – Media credentialing begins in Mark Clark Hall lobby
10 a.m. – Campus tour led by cadets. Meet in front of Mark Clark Hall (the media filing center)
Peek inside the barracks, visit Summerall Chapel, see the Wall of Stars (the lobby lined with photos of graduates who have become general officers starting with the civil war), the bronze bulldog made of melted brass breastplates and buckles, and if the timing is right, get a glimpse of some members of the Class of 2011 who have just arrived for their first day of military training.
11 a.m. – The Citadel Museum tour. Meet in front of Mark Clark Hall or go directly to the museum entrance on the south side of Daniel Library.
There is much more to Citadel history than the fact that cadets fired the opening shots of the Civil War or the headlines we made during the assimilation of women. The Citadel Museum showcases the rich and colorful history of South Carolina’s military college from its founding in 1842 to the present.
12 noon – Press filing center officially opens.
12 noon – 11 p.m. Google snack kitchen open
12-12:30 – Carillon concert – listen from anywhere on the main campus
Carilloneur Richard Scott plays regular concerts on the Thomas Dry Howie Carillon during the school year. Named for a member of the Class of 1929 who died heroically in St. Lo, France during WWII, the carillon contains bells ranging in size from 25 to 4400 pounds.
1-3 p.m. – Meet the mascots – General and Boo – next to Annette (the jet) near McAlister Field House.
The Citadel is one of the few colleges with two live mascots. Bulldogs General and Boo belong to the Corps of Cadets and live on campus where their antics entertain cadets and visitors alike. General has five stars on his collar and cadets like the idea that he outranks everyone else on campus. Boo is named after a legendary commandant who managed to appear just when cadets were climbing fences or slipping past buildings to sneak off campus during evening study period.
2 p.m. – Bagpipe interlude – Cadet Matt Geddes – Summerall Field
With one of the largest college pipe bands in the country, the companies in the South Carolina Corps of Cadets step out to the music of the pipers. Cadet Geddes, a rising senior from Watertown, Conn., will be pipe master of the Regimental Band and Pipes in the coming year. He will play some tunes that reverberate on campus on Friday afternoons.
2 p.m. – Campus tour with cadets – Meet in front of Mark Clark Hall (the media filing center)
2 p.m. – Tour of Citadel Museum. Meet in front of Mark Clark Hall or go directly to the museum entrance on the south side of Daniel Library.
3 p.m. – Military training demonstration and cadets available to answer questions – inside Law Barracks.
Most college students spend their first two weeks making new friends, figuring out their classes and partying. Citadel cadets spend their first two weeks in military training, learning how to salute, march, carry a rifle and walk square corners. No leisurely strolling here; when freshmen leave the buildings they must go at a fast clip and never speak unless spoken to. Known as knobs because of their shaved heads, these entering freshmen must master the rudiments of military life before classes begin.
Coincidentally, the day of the debate is the first day of military training for about 60 cadet athletes who have had to report early because they play football. Members of cadre will give a brief demonstration about what these fourth class cadets are learning and why The Citadel puts entering freshmen through such a rigorous regimen.
3:30 p.m. – Meet Lt Gen John Rosa, The Citadel’s president
Details to be announced. Please email pao@citadel.edu or check with the media information desk (843.425.1177) for more information.
4 p.m. – Bagpipe interlude – Cadet Matt Geddes – Summerall Field
4 p.m. – Experts availability – Mark Clark Hall
Some of our faculty experts on politics, military matters and The Citadel will be available in the vicinity of The Citadel information desk outside the spin room in Mark Clark Hall. Some will also be available in the spin room immediately following the debate. Check with the information desk for details.
5-5:30 – Carillon concert with Carilloneur Richard Scott – main campus
Need more details about The Citadel, our experts, the campus, photography or how to get from point A to point B? Just ask.
Citadel information desk phone: 843.425.1177
Email: pao@citadel.edu