#POTUSatGT: Long Lines Ahead of Presidential Address at Tech

POTUS fever hit Georgia Tech Friday.  Thousands of students lined up in the Student Center Commons, hoping to secure a ticket to hear President Barack Obama when he visits campus Tuesday.

The line of ticket-hungry hopefuls multiplied as news of Obama’s scheduled speech in McCamish Pavilion spread.

First in line was fifth year computer science major Stefan Koshy, who heard about the ticket distribution while he was sitting in the student center. Koshy's excitment was evident.

"It's kind of overwhelming. This is one of those things that defines a generation," Koshy said, "As a graduating senior, this feels amazing."

The line quickly exited the Student Center, wrapped around Tech Green and continued past the Mason Building up Atlantic Street. As the line grew, so did the air of excitement about the commander-in-chief's visit. 

"It's so exciting, regardless of your political views," explained Terynne Burgan, second year student from Kennesaw. "It's so cool to see an acting president. You can't really miss out on it."

About midway through the line, Anaïs Felix Carrion waited with a group of friends. She heard about the event from Georgia Tech's Twitter and Facebook pages.

"Everyone was already talking about it within 30 minutes of the news," Felix Carrion said. "It's really cool to have this opportunity."

Students ate lunch, played football and did some studying while they waited for tickets.  Editors of the Technique handed out copies of the student newspaper.  A few students grabbed instruments, entertaining the crowds with an impromptu jam session. The Rambling Wreck drove by, with its signature horn blaring. Even President G.P. “Bud” Peterson greeted students, taking a few selfies with students to help pass the time.

Around 4:00 p.m., William Higgins was the person at the end of the line. 

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity," said Higgins. "If I don't go, where's my patriotic spirit.

Higgins' friend and fraternity brother just happened to be the first ticket-holder. But for Higgins, the wait would be well worth it.
"Being college students, we're about to be going into the workforce. We need to be keeping up with what's going on in the world," he said.

 The free tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis the Georgia Tech students, staff and faculty with a valid Georgia Tech BuzzCard.

More information about the visit can be found here: http://www.gatech.edu/obama