MARQUETTE -- 11:15 a.m.

Preparations are underway on NMU's campus for President Obama's visit Thursday.

Vandament Arena, where Obama will deliver his speech, will remain shut down on Wednesday.

"It's closed," says NMU spokesperson Cindy Paavola.  "People should not be going in and out.  They're setting things up for the speech, but it's closed to everybody else.  It's a matter of security."

Paavola also emphasizes that parking restrictions around the athletic complex will go into effect late Wednesday night.  The only parking spots around the complex that will remain open will be on the Wright Street side of the Superior Dome.

Approximately 1000 people have been issued invitations to the Vandament speech, most of them students.  Among the others who've been invited--some faculty and administrators, city leaders, politicians and business leaders.  Paavola says the demand for the tickets has been overwhelming, but the White House made clear from the start that it wanted students to be the priority.

Those who have been invited are advised to bring as little with them as possible.  Everything will be checked by security at the door.  Cameras, according to Paavola, will be allowed, as long as they're reasonably compact.  On the tickets, themselves, are restrictions on what can't be brought in to the arena.

So far, the White House has indicated only that the President will be stopping in a classroom for a demonstration of the WiMAX network--that will be in the athletic complex--and that he'll be giving a speech at Vandament at approximately 1:20 p.m.

No other stops have been announced, although the Secret Service has checked other locations in town over the last few days.

TV6 is planning to air the President's arrival at Sawyer International Ariport live at approximately 11:45 a.m., along with his entire speech at Vandament.

In addition, uppermichiganssource.com will be updating his visit several times an hour throughout the day.