Streets were closed and traffic was building early Thursday around Georgia Tech’s McCamish Pavilion hours before the first presidential debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.

Inside the arena, dozens of reporters from around the world were already gathering before large banks of TV screens ahead of the debate. Rows of tables and chairs were set up around the concourse for the media, and TV sets were airing live coverage all morning.

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FILE - Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., speaks during a news conference on the Equality Act at the Capitol, April 29, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr., File)

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Peggy Harris (foreground) stocks the shelves at Sandy's IGA, which is the only grocery store in town, Tuesday, October 7, 2025, in Sparta. Hancock County has one of the highest rates of childhood food insecurity in the country. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC