Is this where political hopefuls have faced off under the intense glare of the national spotlight? You’re looking at the Watsco Center, a place that has seen its fair share of history in the making. This 8,000-seat arena, right here on the University of Miami campus in sunny Coral Gables, Florida, isn’t just a home court for the Miami Hurricanes basketball teams. The Watsco Center originally opened its doors in 2003 as the University of Miami Convocation Center. It quickly earned a reputation as a premier venue for a diverse range of events. From electrifying concerts featuring music legends like Coldplay and Drake to prestigious award shows, the Watsco Center has hosted them all. But perhaps its most significant moments have unfolded on the political stage. In 2004, the Watsco Center was chosen as the battleground for a pivotal presidential debate between George W. Bush and John Kerry, a clash of ideologies witnessed by millions across the nation. Fast forward to 2016, and the arena once again played host to political drama, this time during the Republican presidential primary. The Watsco Center has consistently proven itself as a place where history is made, whether through the roar of the crowd during a nail-biting basketball game or the hushed anticipation of a presidential debate.
Glenn Hubert Library
What secrets lie hidden within the walls of a university library? Right here in North Miami, the Glenn Hubert Library