DENVER — Rocky Mountain PBS, History Colorado, The Civic Canopy and the University of Denver's Institute for Public Policy Studies have partnered to present Debate Watch 2012—a unique opportunity for Colorado citizens to come together and both watch and discuss the presidential debate on October 3, 2012 at the new History Colorado Center. Debate Watch 2012 tickets are on-sale now at HistoryColoradoCenter.org. This evening of civic engagement includes a watching a broadcast of the University of Denver-hosted debate on the large high-definition microtile screen in History Colorado Center's Anschutz Hamilton Hall; followed by a panel discussionmoderated by Cynthia Hessin taped for broadcast on the Rocky Mountain PBS program, “Colorado State of Mind;” and then a town-hall style audience discussion after the taping, facilitated by The Civic Canopy. Panel guests include:

• Hank Brown, former U.S. Senator
• Richard Lamm, former Governor of Colorado
• Patty Limerick, faculty director and chair of the Board of the Center of the American West at the University of Colorado
• Jane Norton, former Lt. Governor
• Gail Schoettler, former Lt. Governor

Event Details:

• Wednesday, October 3, 2012
• History Colorado Center, 1200 Broadway, Denver (east side of 12^th Avenue and Broadway)
• Admission:  Tickets are available for purchase on HistoryColoradoCenter.org. Availability is limited. Admission includes the Debate Watch 2012 program, free access to History Colorado Center exhibits, as well as snacks and beverages. The Rendezvous Café in the History Colorado Center will be open for food service. (Note that Debate Watch 2012 tickets are for admission to the History Colorado Center only and are notvalid for admission to the debate hosted at the University of Denver.)
• General public: $15 per ticket or $25 for two
• History Colorado or Rocky Mountain PBS members:  $10 per ticket or $15 for two
• Schedule:
• 6 p.m.:  Doors open; ticket holders receive free admission to History Colorado Center exhibits
• 7 to 8:30 p.m.:  Broadcast of presidential debate in Anschutz Hamilton Hall
• 8:45 to 9:15 p.m.:  Panel discussion and taping of “Colorado State of Mind”
• 9:15 to 10 p.m.:  Town hall/audience discussion
   
• Parking:  Covered parking is available in the paid Cultural Complex Garage located on 12^th Avenue west of Broadway. City meters around the 1200 block of Broadway and Lincoln are free after 6 p.m.

*Debate Watch 2012 tickets are good for the History Colorado Center event only, and are not valid for admission to the debate hosted at the University of Denver.

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Additional Information

About Cynthia Hessin and Colorado State of Mind
Each week, Cynthia Hessin, an Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist, convenes a group of expert guests to discuss topics in the news, from the economy and the environment to education and other issues pertinent to the Colorado audience.

"Colorado State of Mind" draws journalists, policy makers and experts from a range of fields and every point of view for a balanced, informative discussion. The program is part of the network’s Friday night public affairs lineup, which includes “Washington Week,” “The McLaughlin Group,” “BBC Newsnight” and “Need to Know.” Join the discussion every Friday night at 7:30 p.m. or anytime online at rmpbs.org/stateofmind.

About Rocky Mountain PBS
Each week, nearly 900,000 people throughout Colorado turn to Rocky Mountain PBS to discover inspiring local, national and international programming; find diverse viewpoints; score front row center seats to world-class performances; and experience lifelong learning opportunities.

Rocky Mountain PBS celebrates its 56th anniversary on the air this year. The network began in Denver in 1956 as Colorado’s first public television station. It is now Colorado’s only statewide television network, with stations in Denver (KRMA), Pueblo/Colorado Springs (KTSC), Steamboat Springs (KRMZ), Grand Junction (KRMJ) and Durango (KRMU). To learn more, visit rmpbs.org.

About History Colorado
Established in 1879, the Colorado Historical Society—today’s History Colorado—preserves Colorado’s rich heritage through the State Historical Fund, the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, collections stewardship, statewide museums and programs for students, educators and visitors of all ages. History Colorado is headquartered in the History Colorado Center, 1200 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203 in Denver’s Golden Triangle Museum District. Find History Colorado at Facebook.com/HistoryColorado and @HistoryColorado. For more information, visit HistoryColorado.org or call (303) HISTORY.

Debate Watch 2012 is the final event in History Colorado’s “President Palooza” programming series at the History Colorado Center. Information and tickets for “President Palooza” programs can be found on HistoryColoradoCenter.org.

About The Civic Canopy

The Civic Canopy, www.civiccanopy.org, is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that catalyzes individuals and organizations to build stronger neighborhoods, healthier communities and a more just and civil society.  By connecting the individual efforts of diverse partners into a larger civic vision, the Canopy creates a new space for dialogue that transforms polarization into collaboration toward shared community goals. 

About The Institute for Public Policy Studies

Since 1981, the University of Denver has been committed to the development of tomorrow’s leaders in the public, private and nonprofit sectors through an innovative, analytical core curriculum.  At the Institute for Public Policy Studies the Masters degree program prepares students to face tomorrow’s public policy challenges with tools essential for sound judgment, articulation and innovative analysis skills.

Media Contact: Rebecca Laurie

rebecca.laurie@state.co.us, 303-866-3670