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May 16, 2012   A-Z Index | WebMail | Dept. Dir. | Text Only | Accessibility 
The University of Tennessee System

Vice President Cheney to deliver keynote address

Former U.S. Senator and Ambassador to Japan, Howard H. Baker Jr. has played a key role in American politics in the last half century. A three-term Senator who took a lead role on the Senate Watergate Committee, Baker also served as chief of staff during the Reagan administration and was subsequently appointed the U.S. Ambassador to Japan.

On Tuesday, November 15, Baker will mark another milestone in his illustrious public service career: The official start of construction on the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy.

Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy Rotunda

A ceremonial groundbreaking will be held at 11 a.m. at the Thompson Boling Assembly Center and Arena. Vice President Richard Cheney will deliver the keynote address. Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen, U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander and U.S. Rep. John Duncan also will join Baker in this celebration. The day also marks Baker's 80th birthday.

"For more than 40 years, Senator Baker has led an exemplary career in public service that has touched the lives of so many around the world," said Alan Lowe, executive director of the Baker Center. "We are honored to celebrate his birthday in this manner and to begin construction on what will always be a living tribute to his life and his values."

The event is open to the general public and members of the media. (Note: Media must be credentialed by the White House prior to Tuesday's event.)

Here you will find parking information and security procedures for the event. For more information, contact (865) 974-0158.

Entry and Security Procedures

People need to arrive no later than 9 a.m. to allow for search procedures and ensure entry to the Arena. The Arena doors will close prior to the start of the program and no one will be admitted after 11 a.m.

Additional details, security measures and parking regulations have been set, including:

  • Everyone will enter the arena at the Northeast entrance on the upper level. It is the entrance closest to Phillip Fulmer Way, the G-10 parking garage and Neyland Stadium.
  • Attendees will be screened through metal detectors upon entering the Arena. Backpacks, purses and other bags will be hand-searched. It is suggested that guests bring only necessary items to expedite the entry process.
  • Cameras and cellular telephones will be allowed.

Parking

  • Classes will be in session during the event, so parking will be limited.
  • Public paid parking will be available at the Carolyn P. Brown University Center garage on Phillip Fulmer Way.
  • Free parking will be available on Stephenson Drive, near the Regal Soccer Complex (take Neyland Drive to Leinard Lane then an immediate left on to Stephenson Drive). A shuttle will run between Stephenson Drive and the Arena beginning at 8:15 a.m. and after the event, until 12:45 p.m. The shuttle will drop off and pick up passengers on Lake Loudoun Boulevard, near the entrance to the Andy Holt Tower (Administration building) and C-6 parking area.

Road Closures

  • Phillip Fulmer Way will be closed from Lake Loudoun Boulevard to Peyton Manning Pass beginning at 9 a.m. until approximately 1:30 p.m. This closure does not affect entrance to the University Center parking garage.