The David Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, is getting spruced up for the third and final presidential debate, which is being seen as a ‘make-or-break’ appearance for the two White House hopefuls - Republican John McCain and Democratic Barack Obama.

The 90-minute face-off will unquestionably focus on the economic crisis plaguing the nation. Beginning 9 p.m. Wednesday, the debate, to be aired live on CNN and CNN.com, will provide both the presidential candidates one of the last chances to get their message out to undecided voters.

Unlike at the previous two debates, this time around the candidates will sit at a table facing one another. The debate will be moderated by CBS News’ Bob Schieffer, host of “Face the Nation.” Schieffer told the Associated Press on Sunday that he will be seeking more on what each will bring to the presidency.

He said: “By now, we’ve all heard their talking points. We’ve heard the general outlines of what they are talking about. The time has come to be a little more specific.”

Hofstra University, with nearly 12,500 students, said about a thousand people in all will be live witness to the McCain-Obama showdown, other than 3,000-plus members of the media who are expected to descend on the university.

The University officials say they have spent months for making the debate arrangements. According to the University’s president, the cost till now - nearly $3.5 million - is money well spent. Along with the candidates who are expected to shine during the debate, the university is experiencing its share of glory - it is already getting a lot of attention.

Vice President of University Relations, Melissa Connolly said: “It’s the best kind of publicity because it’s associating the university with an important national event.”

While the students at the University are all enthusiasm personified, some faculty members say the debate has brought a new political awareness to the campus.