Who has tickets to the Republican debate at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee
It's the toughest ticket in town.
And it helps to know someone politically-connected to get into Wednesday's Republican presidential primary debate at Milwaukee's Fiserv Forum.
The event isn't open to the general public so most people who are interested in watching the Republican contenders square off on a debate stage for the first time during this cycle will be viewing the event on Fox News Channel.
Yet between 4,000 and 6,000 people will be accommodated in the lower bowl of the arena, according to Bucks and Fiserv Forum president Peter Feigin.
The candidates will be on the stage facing the Fox News anchors Martha MacCallum and Bret Baier, and the audience.
Tickets are being handled by the Republican National Committee and debate partners Fox News, Rumble and Young America's Foundation, as well as the participating candidates.
The Republican Party of Wisconsin was also able to distribute tickets.
"It will be my first time being at a presidential debate," said Stephanie Soucek, chair of the Door County Republicans. "An opportunity doesn't come to your state too often, so I'm excited."
"You almost have to know who has the tickets to be able to go," Soucek added.
Chris Goebel, who chairs the Walworth County Republicans, said he's "chomping at the bit. I want to see what happens."
Goebel, who has attended two GOP presidential debates previously, said he's eager to see if the frontrunner, former President Donald Trump, shows up. But he's also interested in hearing "what everyone else has to say."
Goebel said he was also able to submit the names of his county party's 12-member executive team to get them on the ticket list.
"They opened up more ticket slots," he said.
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Who will get tickets to the Republican debate at Fiserv Forum?
The debate crowd at Fiserv Forum will include plenty of college students, grassroots activists, elected officials and political insiders, including many of the 168 members of the RNC.
Members of Young America's Foundation even submitted taped questions that might be used during the debate.
The group, led by former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, will be staging a pre-debate block party.
"All of the students, families alumni, allies and supporters of YAF who are coming to our block party in the Deer District will also be attending the debate inside Fiserv Forum," Walker said. "We are proud to be a partner for the first debate and to bring a great crowd."
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: How to get tickets, who is attending Republican debate in Milwaukee
