(Knoxville)- Vice President Dick Cheney will be joined by several of Tennessee-s top elected officials for the groundbreaking of the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy set for 11 a.m. at the Thompson Boling Assembly Center and Arena.
Special guests who will be on hand to honor former U.S. Senator and Ambassador to Japan Howard Baker will include Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen, U.S. Rep. John Duncan Jr. and U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander. Officials also have released additional information regarding the groundbreaking, which coincides with the 80th birthday of one of Tennessee-s most revered statesmen.
UT President John Petersen will emcee the event, which will launch construction on the $15 million building to be located on the corner of Cumberland Avenue and Melrose Place. However, due to the Vice President-s participation in the event, the ceremonial groundbreaking will only be held at the Arena.
People need to arrive no later than 9 a.m. to allow for search procedures and ensure entry to the Arena. The Arena doors will close prior to the start of the program and no one will be admitted after 11 a.m.
Additional details, security measures and parking regulations have been set, including:
– Everyone will enter the arena at the Northeast entrance on the upper level. It is the entrance closest to Phillip Fulmer Way, the G-10 parking garage and Neyland Stadium.
– Attendees will be screened through metal detectors upon entering the Arena. Backpacks, purses and other bags will be hand-searched. It is suggested that guests bring only necessary items to expedite the entry process.
– Cameras and cellular telephones will be allowed.
Parking
– Classes will be in session during the event, so parking will be limited.
– Public paid parking will be available at the Carolyn P. Brown University Center garage on Phillip Fulmer Way.
– Free parking will be available on Stephenson Drive, near the Regal Soccer Complex (take Neyland Drive to Leinard Lane then an immediate left on to Stephenson Drive). A shuttle will run between Stephenson Drive and the Arena beginning at 8:15 a.m. and after the event, until 12:45 p.m. The shuttle will drop off and pick up passengers on Lake Loudoun Boulevard, near the entrance to the Andy Holt Tower (Administration building) and C-6 parking area.
Road Closures
– Phillip Fulmer Way will be closed from Lake Loudoun Boulevard to Peyton Manning Pass beginning at 9 a.m. until approximately 1:30 p.m. This closure does not affect entrance to the University Center parking garage.
Contact: Beth Gladden (865-974-9008 or 771-1284)
Amy Blakely (865-974-5034 or 771-9127)