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Tampa's 'Today' Telecast Attracts Crowd Of Early Risers

Tribune photo by JULIE BUSCH

Al Roker and a fan pose in between “Today” show segments at the University of Tampa this morning.

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By WALT BELCHER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 23, 2008

Updated: 09/23/2008 09:32 am

TAMPA - Early rising television fans gathered at the University of Tampa this morning to watch NBC's "Today" show hosts Matt Lauer and Al Roker broadcast live from the picturesque campus near downtown Tampa.

A throng of about 700, mostly students, swarmed around the fountain on the east side of Plant Hall, some arriving late last night, most early this morning to catch a glimpse of "Today" celebrities Lauer and Roker.

The show is on a four-day trip to states that are considered political battlegrounds in the presidential election. On Monday, the show was broadcast from Philadelphia.

Many in the crowd carried signs hoping to draw the attention of cameras.

Eliza Meyer of New Tampa came with two friends and toted "Moms for McCain" signs.

"We wouldn't miss this for anything because we're such fans of the "Today" show and Matt Lauer," Meyer said.

Among the signs hoisted by students: "I have a microbiology exam at 8 a.m. and I'm still here."

Television personality worship was alive and well. Every time Lauer emerged from Plant Hall to do a stand-up report, applause and screams rose from the crowd.

Gov. Charlie Crist was interviewed by Lauer on the veranda of the historical building that is the centerpiece of the university.

The results of the latest Mason-Dixon poll were released during the broadcast, and Lauer said the thing that surprised him most about Florida was the changing demographics revealed in poll.

"The state appears to have gained 130,000 voters," he said. "Where did they come from, and who will they vote for?"

One thing about polls, Lauer said, is they are influenced by whatever the news story of the day is.

The university's pep band played in the background during weather reports by Roker, who admitted he loves Tampa because of his fondness for Cuban sandwiches.

Albert Capdevila, a chef at La Teresita restaurant in Tampa, said he was thrilled to prepare Cuban sandwiches for the "Today" cast. He said he was going to feed Roker the best Cuban he ever had.

Roker and Lauer worked the crowd, shaking hands on and off camera and posing for photographs.

Pamela Kellum of Tampa, an Obama supporter, said she was thrilled when Lauer came up and shook her hand.

Teri Pelech of Tampa said, "It is great the city is getting all this national exposure on the 'Today' show."

Greg Bowdler works in the admissions office at the university and is a part-time puppeteer. He made an Al Roker puppet and got on television with it.

Roker joked that it was a bit disturbing to see himself as a puppet.

"But," he said, "I've seen stranger things."

Reporter Walt Belcher can be reached at (813) 259-7654 or wbelcher@tampatrib.com.

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