Two tents, dozens of TVs, 1,200 hot dogs and one former presidential candidate are prepared for the Dole Lecture today at the Dole Institute of Politics.

Bob Dole, the institute’s namesake who spent 28 years in the U.S. Senate, will speak at 4 p.m. today in the institute on Kansas University’s west campus. He’ll be discussing his new book, “One Soldier’s Story,” as he has during appearances on TV and across the country in recent weeks.

All 425 free tickets inside the institute have been handed out, but tents with big-screen TVs will be set up outside for the public to view the lecture. In all, about 1,000 tickets have been distributed for the event.

“It’s awesome,” institute director Bill Lacy said of the interest. “It’s far exceeded my expectations.”

Lacy said seating still was available by calling 864-4900 and reserving a spot. Doors to the institute and the tents open at 3 p.m.

After the lecture, Dole will sign copies of his book, which will be for sale at the Dole Institute. Lacy said two lines would be formed — one for people inside the institute and one for those outside.

Dole, 81, signed 500 books at a recent event at the Nixon presidential library in California, Lacy said.

A picnic featuring hot dogs, other fare and live music also will follow the lecture.

“We’d encourage people to come early if they want to get one of the better seats,” Lacy said. “We urge patience and understand this is an outdoor event, and it’s not going to be as neat and clean as having it indoors. But … there’s a better message to it, I think, having it inside the Dole Institute.”