President Barack Obama is coming to Boise, for the first time since he appeared here as a candidate in 2008; he’ll speak at Boise State University on Wednesday. His remarks are free and open to the public, but limited tickets are required. They’ll be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis today, one ticket per person, starting at 4 p.m. at the Albertson Stadium Athletic Ticket Office at Boise State. On Wednesday, doors will open at the Caven-Williams Sport Complex, 1201 W. Cesar Chavez Lane, at noon; the president is expected to speak in mid-afternoon.

Security is expected to be heavy, and attendees are asked not to bring bags and to limit personal items; no signs or banners will be allowed. The president is expected to speak about themes from his State of the Union address on Tuesday night; he’s planning a similar appearance Thursday at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas.