A variety of local events and forums are planned for tonight, when John Kerry and George W. Bush face each other in the first of three presidential debates.

The debate will be shown on campus in room 150 in the Animal Sciences Lab. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and the debate begins at 8 p.m. An educational forum featuring University faculty will be held afterwards.

Local Bush supporters will watch the debate at Frasca Field in Urbana, just off Cunningham Avenue north of Interstate 74. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served at the event, organized by the Champaign County Republicans and the local Bush campaign.

Live music will follow the debate at the “Rock For The Vote” show at Mike & Molly’s bar, 105 N. Market St., Champaign. The non-partisan event, which starts at 9 p.m., will feature local and out-of-state bands, as well as voting information and registration forms. The cover charge is $4 cover.