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University Of Michigan To Pay At Least $2.5M For 2020 Debate

Paul Sancya/AP Photo/File

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — The University of Michigan is paying at least $2.5 million for hosting a 2020 presidential debate.

The Detroit News reports Tuesday it obtained a contract including that price tag and other costs associated with the Oct. 22 debate at the Ann Arbor school. The university also must provide ground transportation and catering services, as well as security upgrades.

University spokesman Rick Fitzgerald says the school plans to use donor funds to pay for the event. The contract says the university also can recoup some costs through fees charged to journalists and campaigns.

The nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates announced last month Michigan would be among the debate sites weeks before Election Day.

The Associated Press reported in 2016 the cost of hosting a presidential debate topped $5 million.