Arizona looking forward to GOP presidential debate

It's finally here.

After months of anticipation, the top GOP candidates are in Mesa tonight for Arizona's Republican Presidential Debate.

Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul, Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum will take the stage from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Mesa Arts Center downtown.

"It's great that the eyes of America will be on Arizona and Mesa, for a good thing," Mesa Mayor Scott Smith said. "We knew when we moved the debate from November to February that Romney could run the table and make this thing irrelevant. But this debate could be one of the most pivotal in the entire primary season."

About 1,500 people are expected to attend the debate, by invitation-only. But Smith said Mesa has worked hard with the Arizona Republican Party to make this a community event.

From 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., downtown Mesa will feature live music, food vendors and a viewing experience on a 14 by 20 foot screen, where people can watch the debate as it's televised live on CNN.

"Even if you don't have tickets to get in, come on down and join us in the street," Smith said. "All of the streets will be blocked off and it's going to be a good time."