Today marks Belmont University’s turn to serve as the host of a presidential debate, the first time such an event has been held in the state of Tennessee since the Commission on Presidential Debates was established two decades ago.

Holding a presidential debate requires institutions to endure many logistical complexities and raise or spend millions of dollars to cover costs. In Belmont’s case, the event has also led the institution to make an exception to its decades-long ban on alcohol on the campus.

The Christian college will allow alcohol to be served today at a hospitality tent for the news media, according to the Associated Press. The institution has prohibited alcoholic drinks since at least 1951, the AP said.

The Times-Gazette of Shelbyville, Tenn., is asking its readers to weigh in on the university’s decision to let alcohol be served. “Should school officials have compromised, as they did — or stuck by their beliefs no matter what?” the Web site asks.

Like the three other colleges holding presidential or vice-presidential debates this year, Belmont has also been preparing for its day in the limelight by holding a series of special lectures, conferences, and other events tied to the debate in the months leading up to today. Among other features, the Nashville-based university has been using its Debate 08 Web site to spotlight the history of a popular song each day that has played some kind of role in presidential politics. (Today’s selection is “God Bless America.”)

To get a feel for what the atmosphere is like on a campus on debate day, check out our video report from the site of the first presidential debate, the University of Mississippi.