President Barack Obama to visit Shaker Heights High School on Wednesday to discuss economy

SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio - President Barack Obama's arrival in Cleveland comes one day after the Iowa caucuses, as he seeks to draw a contrast with Republicans running for president.

The White House said the president's Jan. 4 afternoon trip to Shaker Heights High School will focus largely on the economy.

The event is free and open to the public. Doors will open at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

You can get a ticket beginning at 6 p.m. on Tuesday at the Shaker Heights City School District Administration Building located at 15600 Parkland Drive in Shaker Heights. Tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Bags, signs and banners will not be allowed inside the school for Obama's visit. Everyone who attends will go through airport-like security.

Republican presidential candidates will face off in the Iowa caucuses on Jan. 3. It's the first nominating contest of the 2012 campaign.

Obama won Ohio in 2008. But the state has been hard-hit economically during the president's term, and is sure to be a political battleground in next year's presidential election.

Obama aides say the president's trip to Cleveland marks the start of an aggressive 2012 domestic travel schedule. Still, aides insist Obama will not fully engage in the presidential race until after Republicans pick a nominee.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.