UPDATED: Hundreds get free tickets to see President Obama in Roanoke

On Wednesday, people waited hours in a line that stretched down several streets and seemed to have no end. Many people came early.

"Around 1:15, 1:20 and the reason why I come to get a ticket so that I can see President Obama," says Bernard Arrington.

While many here fans of the President.
"I am so excited about him coming to Roanoke." says Denise Tucker.

Others want to hear what he has to say. It could determine their vote.

"Not sure right now," says Patricia Davis, "Still in limbo right now."

"He knows Virginia is essential," says Gary Crawford, "He needs to carry Virginia again to win this election."

Their biggest concern is jobs.

"I hope that he has an answer for the jobs that are definitely needed around here," says Dawn Wright, "We are suffering in this economy."

Wright runs Total Elegance on Jefferson Street in Roanoke.. Four years ago, candidate Barack Obama paid a visit.  Wright says she plans to be there on Friday for his second visit.

"It's another mark in history for me," says Wright.

But not every business is excited. Road closures will impact several stores including Milan Tobacconists on Jefferson Street.

"I feel it's actually an inconvenience because of all the closures," says owner David Meyer, "Our customers will not be able to reach us."

Several customers told him they're not sure how they'll be able to get to his store or where they'll park downtown for work on Friday.
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Tickets to President Barack Obama's campaign rally won't be handed out until 5:00 but long lines have already formed.

At historic Fire Station Number One in downtown Roanoke, the line stretches down Church Avenue to Jefferson Street and around the corner.  Meanwhile the parking lot at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union office on Peters Creek Road is already full.  Tickets will also be distributed at the Obama campaign office on North Main Street in Blacksburg.  All locations will start handing out tickets at 5:00 p.m.

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The Obama campaign has released ticket information for Friday's visit to Roanoke by President Obama.

Only one ticket per person will be given out. Tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The Obama campaign did not say how many tickets will be given out.

The campaign has also not confirmed the time of Friday's event. However, Melinda Mayo, the public information officer for the City of Roanoke, says President Obama's event will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

She says the city is working with the Secret Service to coordinate street closures.

The event will be held at Historic Firehouse Number One. That's on Church Avenue in Southeast Roanoke. Senator Mark Warner and Senate candidate Tim Kaine, both Democrats, say they'll be joining President Obama on his campaign stop.

They were scheduled to be at an event in Boston on Friday, but changed their plans.

Tickets will be given out starting at 5 p.m. Wednesday at the following locations:

Downtown Roanoke
Historic Fire Station No. 1
13 Church Ave SE
Roanoke, VA 24011
 
Peter’s Creek/North Roanoke
IBEW Local 26
6306 Peter's Creek Rd.
Roanoke, VA 24019
 
Blacksburg
Obama For America Virginia Office in Blacksburg
Suite B.
712 N. Main St
Blacksburg, VA 24060
(Behind New River Heating and Air)

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Melinda Mayo, the public information officer for the City of Roanoke, says President Obama's event will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

She says the city is working with the Secret Service to coordinate street closures.

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