Smith Center being secured for potential Obama visit
Posted by: Baller-in-Chief in Basketball(From Dan Greene for the GW Hatchet Online)
(Photo by Photo Editor Viktors Dindzans)
While the White House still has yet to completely confirm with the University President Obama’s attendance of today’s men’s basketball game against Oregon State, extensive security measures are currently underway at Smith Center in preparation for a potential presidential visit.
U.S. Secret Service and White House Communications vehicles are currently parked outside the arena on 22nd and G streets, with metal detectors being installed at each entrance way. The interior of building has already been swept and everyone entering has been put through the full security check, including both teams as they entered to take their pre-game shoot-arounds. A tent is currently being constructed around the F Street entrance and a security dog was recently walked around the perimeter.
Players and coaches from Oregon State departed the arena and left via bus at approximately 9:05 a.m. and members of the GW team were trickling in shortly thereafter for their turn on the court.
Based on discussions with administrators, it is unlikely that GW will know for certain whether the president will be at the game until shortly before he arrives for security reasons, but it would be hard to imagine all of this is being done for show. We’ll be back throughout the morning and all the way up and through game time with any and all updates we receive.
Update, 10:16 a.m. Moments ago, approximately 18 members of law enforcement entered the building through the 22nd Street entrance.
Update, 10:29 a.m. Senior Vice President for Student and Academic Support Services Robert Chernak just said that nothing more is officially known at this time. He basically echoed the existing sentiment that the president is expected on GW’s end and that everything is in place for him to attend, but that the White House had yet to commit one way or another. He also noted that Obama is trying not to make a spectacle of his appearance and that an announcement of his attendance is not expected at the game.
Update, 11:09 a.m. The tent that was being assembled outside the F Street arena entrance appears to have been completed and now extends halfway into the road, though the street remains open to traffic. There are also Secret Service posters on either side of the 22nd Street entrance warning those attending today’s game that they are subject to a security search.
Update, 12:30 p.m. I’m now inside the building after going through all of the security checks. Still no arrival from the potential special guest(s), though MPD vehicles are now stationed on and around F Street. Director of Athletics Jack Kvancz, who went through security just in front of me, looked around, smiled and remarked, “So I guess he’s coming.”
Update, 1:10 p.m. Just to state the obvious at this point, all indications from everyone working here is that President Obama and his family are expected to come to the game. There are seats reserved for them behind the Oregon State bench and in there are “presidential visit fact sheets” in the media room.
Update, 1:27 p.m. Also expected to attend today’s game are U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, who met the GW players and coaches in October; D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty; and someone from the TV show Top Chef whose name could not be recalled by the GW media representative at the time.
Update, 1:33 p.m. Check that. Fenty is no longer expected to attend the game.
Update, 1:37 p.m. University President Steven Knapp is part of a group of people currently standing at the black curtain inside the F Street entrance where the Obamas are expected to arrive.
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