Lynn University prepares for final debate

BOCA RATON, Fla. (WSVN) -- On the day of the last presidential debate, polls show a significantly tight race.

Lynn University has been preparing for this moment for a year, and in an increasingly tight race, both candidates know that what is said at the debate on Monday may win control of the White House.

Applause rang out on the Lynn University campus as student's learned they literally won a lottery and scored a golden ticket to Monday night's debate. "I'm ecstatic," said Teresa Romano. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch democracy in action."

Those who entered the lottery needed to be present to win. Freshman Michael Curley was grateful he didn't take his friend's advice to go to a football game. "I was like, 'I have to come. I have to come,'" said Curley, "and I came and I got in, so it's a good thing I didn't go."

A hall where the candidates will meet has been fenced off before Monday's showdown. It's surrounded by television trucks, and last-minute preparations are underway for the third and final debate, which will focus on foreign policy.

The excitement has gripped the campus. "It's crazy," said Greg Cox of Student Affairs. "But it's exciting. It really gets the student excited about the whole political process."

And while students are excited, the candidates are preparing. Mitt Romney took a break from cramming to rally his staff as they took on the media in a game of flag football along Delray Beach.

President Obama, who did not have any public events Sunday, prepared at Camp David in Maryland.

The two face-off in just 24 hours in what may be the most important debate, held right here in our own backyard.

"It's very exciting," said Romano. "It's wonderful that Lynn University is hosting this event, and they're doing a fabulous job. They really are."

Lynn University has spent $5 million on this event. Security at Lynn University has been ramped up as well. Only students or those with credentials are now being allowed on campus.

(Copyright 2012 by Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)