But for the average bar-goer on Wednesday, it was unclear when, or even where, the debate was taking place.

“Where’s it at?” Dave Poyzer, an independent voter, wanted to know. He was surprised to learn it wasn’t up the street at the Iowa Events Center. …

But first, he had an important question: “What time’s it at?”

Mr. Fini was informed that it had already started. He shrugged, gesturing to the empty glasses in front of him and the basketball game on the TV behind the bar, and said, “Well …”