Once a whopping 17 candidates, the Republican field is now down just to five. GOP hopefuls Ted Cruz, Donald Trump, Marco Rubio, John Kasich and Ben Carson will take the stage on Thursday for the tenth Republican debate. CNN returns yet again as the debate host. Here's everything you need to know about the next Republican presidential debate.
The upcoming debate will be held at the Moores Opera House at the University of Houston. Texas is one of the 11 states that will hold GOP contests on Tuesday, and Sen. Ted Cruz hopes to emerge victorious in his home state.
The University of Houston's opera house can accommodate more than 750 people. Politico reported that ticket distribution for the debate has become difficult. The university was only guaranteed 25 tickets, and Texas Governor Greg Abbott has to raffle tickets to political donors.
The action kicks off at 8:30 p.m. ET Thursday. CNN will broadcast the event. Telemundo will also show it live in Spanish, and Salem Media Group, a regular CNN debate partner, will provide radio broadcast for the upcoming debate.
For those who want to watch the debate online, CNN will provide a live feed of proceedings on its website. Check this link to learn more about how to watch the Feb. 25 GOP debate via live stream.
CNN's lead political anchor Wolf Blitzer will moderate the debate, while radio host Hugh Hewitt, CNN anchor Dana Bash and Telemundo's Maria Celeste Arraras will ask the tough questions for the GOP hopefuls.
The five contenders for the Republican nomination are expected to take the stage on Thursday. Donald Trump, Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, Ben Carson and John Kasich will face each other for another round of talks. This lineup is expected to narrow down to three after the Super Tuesday -- also known as the "Sec. Primaries."
The Texas primary, which is part of the Super Tuesday group, could help decide how Cruz and Rubio pose themselves as Trump alternatives. Cruz has a huge advantage in Texas, and he could use it to remain in the presidential race. One hundred and fifty-five GOP delegates are at stake in the primary, more than Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Nevada combined.
Here are the facts that you need to know about the upcoming GOP debate:
Location: Moores Opera House at the University of Houston
Start Time: 8:30 ET
Date: Thursday, Feb 25, 2016
TV: CNN, Telemundo
Live Stream: CNNgo
After Thursday's debate, the next Republican debate will be in Michigan. The remaining Republican candidates will meet in Detroit at the Fox Theater on March 3rd.
