Doors open for the Obama rally at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 9, at The Colonial Center in Columbia. The event is free, but tickets are required and available through the campaign at barackobama.com or at the local campaign office (724-1108). Seating will be on a first come, first serve basis. Parking can be a challenge at the center, so that’s another reason to show up early.