SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) — While Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump supporters are divided sharply over big-picture political issues, they seem united in their enthusiastic embrace of communal debate viewing events this evening.
Several local organizations are hosting watch parties tonight around the Bay Area for the first presidential debate between Clinton and Trump scheduled for 6 p.m.
For example, the organizer of a free watch party at the San Francisco music venue The Chapel expects an overflow crowd of more than 600 people tonight when doors open at 5 p.m.
“We’ll be turning people away to nearby Mission bars. We’ll be a very full event,” organizer Deborah Schneider said. “This is the most high-stakes election in history. This is not a reality show … This is not a spectator sport. The purpose of this event is to galvanize people to take action.”
Schneider expects the crowd to be largely comprised of Clinton supporters, but other events around the region will be hosted by Trump supporters or neutral third parties.
The free watch party at Santa Clara University’s Learning Commons at the University Library starts at 5:45 p.m. and will be attended by student groups that support both candidates, according to university spokeswoman Tina Vossugh.
“It’s a pretty exciting year,” Vossugh said. “There’ll be a discussion and people will be talking about it afterwards.”
The website bayareagop.com lists several events where Trump supporters can gather to take in the debate.
“Be among like-minded friends as you watch Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton face off on the important questions of this election,” says the invitation to the event hosted by the Piedmont Area Republican Women Federated at Monaghan’s restaurant in Oakland.
Registration is required for the $30 event, which will include a no-host bar, quesadillas and a taco bar. It begins at 5:30 p.m., according to organizers.
Other Trump-leaning events will be at the campaign’s Marin County headquarters in Novato at 5 p.m., at the Presidio Golf Course clubhouse in San Francisco at 5:30 p.m. and at Katalina’s Island Grill in Hayward at 6 p.m., among others.
Other Clinton venues include two Hillary for California watch parties at Everett & Jones BBQ restaurant in Oakland and the Holiday Inn Golden Gateway in San Francisco. Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia will host a viewing party at the Richmond restaurant Salute E Vita Ristorante at 5:30 p.m.