Usually the site of sporting events and smaller musical acts, the Rec Hall floor has been transformed for President Obama’s speech.

A stage is set up at one end of the floor, with seats for the VIPs right in front of it, student volunteers working the event said. Non-VIP ticket holders are seated in the bleachers.

College Democrats Secretary Mallory Reed said the club was asked if they would like to serve as team captains for volunteers helping out with the event.

She said her duties include escorting VIPs and answering questions they may have. Reed (junior-political science) said volunteers were taken from service fraternities and various other student groups.

Reed said she will not get to meet Obama today, but she said his speech on energy should be well-received by students.

“Energy and jobs go hand in hand,” she said. “It’s a new career field for students who are graduating soon to get into.”

Assistant General Council Amy Elizabeth McCall walked into Rec Hall with her VIP ticket in hand, a gift from GPIC/HUB Executive Director and Vice President for Research Hank Foley, she said.

She said Foley had asked her this morning if she would be attending the president’s speech, and she said she did not have a ticket.

“I was working this morning in Old Main,” McCall said. “Hank asked me if I could help him with a project later today, and of course I said yes. He came back later and gave me this ticket.”