An army of 100-plus technicians, producers and directors began arriving Friday. With a satellite truck, a production truck, 175 lighting fixtures and 10 cameras, among other equipment.
Having broadcast five presidential debates this season, NBC has it down to a science. Everything for the candidates must be exactly the same, from the lighting to the lecterns.
"We take this very, very seriously," says Phil Alongi, executive producer of NBC News' special events.
"It's critical that we put on a production everyone deems fair and balanced, though that's not a phrase NBC normally uses," he adds, in a not-so-subtle reference to rival Fox News Channel.
The 842-seat auditorium in Drexel's historic Main Building, built in 1891, is on the small side for his purposes, Alongi says, so changes were made.
The stage was extended 16 feet to accommodate the seven candidates and co-moderators Brian Williams and Tim Russert. Two original chandeliers were removed to ensure equal sight lines.
For the candidates, second-floor Main Building offices of Drexel's senior administrators will serve as "green rooms."
Each will be stocked with coffee, juice and fruit. All other victuals must be ordered from Drexel's caterer, at the campaigns' expense, says university spokesman Phil Terranova.
Chris Matthews, host of MSNBC's Hardball, will set up in an office on the third floor. As befitting their status - and salaries - Williams and Russert will share the president's conference room on the first floor.
Main Building is at 32d and Chestnut Streets. Williams will anchor NBC Nightly News from the sixth-floor terrace of the student center, near 33d and Chestnut, at 6:30.
