GALLERY: Republican Debate at the University of Miami

The Republican candidates await the beginning of the debate at their respective podiums Thursday night in the BankUnited Center. Victoria McKaba // Assistant Photo Editor

The University of Miami hosted the Republican primary debate for the first time in its history at the BankUnited Center (BUC) Thursday evening. However, the day brought more than just the G.O.P. candidates; protesters gathered outside UM to share their beliefs and disagreements with policies proposed by the debaters.

Check out the gallery below to see sights from the day.

Protesters gather outside the University of Miami gates to advocate for higher minimum wage Thursday afternoon. Victoria McKaba // Assistant Photo Editor
Protesters gather outside the University of Miami gates to advocate for higher minimum wage Thursday afternoon. Victoria McKaba // Assistant Photo Editor
An elderly woman speaks on behalf of people living off social security, claiming it is not enough to sustain a family Thursday afternoon. Victoria McKaba // Assistant Photo Editor
An elderly woman speaks on behalf of people living off social security, claiming it is not enough to sustain a family Thursday afternoon. Victoria McKaba // Assistant Photo Editor
Groups of protesters speak for greener energy sources in Florida Thursday afternoon in front of the University of Miami. Victoria McKaba // Assistant Photo Editor
Groups of protesters speak for greener energy sources in Florida Thursday afternoon in front of the University of Miami. Victoria McKaba // Assistant Photo Editor
A large group of Black Lives Matter supporters march down Ponce de Leon Boulevard Thursday night. Victoria McKaba // Assistant Photo Editor
A large group of Black Lives Matter supporters march down Ponce de Leon Boulevard Thursday night. Victoria McKaba // Assistant Photo Editor
Several signs against the GOP are raised in front of the BankUnited Center preceeding the start of the Republican debate. Victoria McKaba // Assistant Photo Editor
Several signs against the GOP are raised in front of the BankUnited Center preceeding the start of the Republican debate. Victoria McKaba // Assistant Photo Editor
Jake Tapper introduces the Republican candidates during the GOP Debate. Victoria McKaba // Assistant Photo Editor
Jake Tapper introduces the Republican candidates during the GOP Debate. Victoria McKaba // Assistant Photo Editor
The four Republican candidates, Marco Rubio, Donald Trump, Ted Cruz and John Kasich hold their hands to their hearts during the National Anthem before the start of the GOP Debate Thursday night at the BankUnited Center. Victoria McKaba // Assistant Photo Editor
The four Republican candidates, Marco Rubio, Donald Trump, Ted Cruz and John Kasich hold their hands to their hearts during the National Anthem before the start of the GOP Debate Thursday night at the BankUnited Center. Victoria McKaba // Assistant Photo Editor
Students and faculty from the Frost School of Music sing the National Anthem during the Republican Debate hosted at the BankUnited Center Thursday night. Victoria McKaba // Assistant Photo Editor
Students and faculty from the Frost School of Music sing the National Anthem during the Republican Debate hosted at the BankUnited Center Thursday night. Victoria McKaba // Assistant Photo Editor
The Republican candidates await the beginning of the debate at their respective podiums Thursday night in the BankUnited Center. Victoria McKaba // Assistant Photo Editor
The Republican candidates await the beginning of the debate at their respective podiums Thursday night in the BankUnited Center. Victoria McKaba // Assistant Photo Editor