The University of Colorado believes hosting the Republican presidential debate in October was well worth the price tag, valuing the events publicity to be more than $4.1 million.
The Daily Camera reports that the university spent more than $764,000 to host 14 Republican presidential candidates on Oct. 28 at the Coors Event Center.
The university-commissioned analysis of the debate's publicity value was calculated based on advertising rates, the number of times CU was mentioned and the duration of exposure.
In addition, the study found that visitors during the debate spend more than $424,400 in the area.
Campus spokesman Ryan Huff says the debate also helped engage the campus and community through lectures, watch parties, rallies and a visit by Democratic presidential candidate Martin O'Malley.