Sen. Bernie Sanders’ campaign, D-Vermont, spent more than $54,000 to rent out University of Wisconsin’s Kohl Center for his April 3 rally, according to UW invoices.
The expenses covered everything from a $150 over-sized American flag, to outside crowd control for the Sunday event.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s campaign, which hosted a smaller, private event March 28, spent about $1,500 for its space at Gordon Dining and Event Center.
UW spokesperson John Lucas said the Sanders’ event attracted 4,500 attendees based on police estimates, while the Clinton event held around 250 attendees.
Under UW regulations, political campaigns are allowed to host one event within a campus auditorium per race. Whichever department is responsible for the building being used deals with the cost, Lucas said.
University Housing manages Gordon Dining and Event Center, and the Athletic department manages the Kohl Center. Lucas said departments usually make no profit from the rental of their facilities.