Students at Hofstra University are enjoying the national exposure to their campus, located on Long Island, about 48 kilometers (30 miles) from New York City. Debate-watch parties are planned across the campus, which has an undergraduate enrollment of nearly 7,000.
Monday's debate will be held at the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex, where about 1,000 people will watch.
The media are gearing up for 9 p.m. EDT (0100 UTC) start of the first presidential debate.
What family members will be in the audience while presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump debate?
For Republican nominee Trump: his wife, Melania, as well as his adult children: Donald Jr., Ivanka, Eric and Tiffany.
For Democratic nominee Clinton: her daughter, Chelsea.