GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The doors have opened and thousands of people are streaming into Van Andel Arena for a seat at Donald Trump's first rally since the attempt on his life.
Thousands of others will likely be stuck outside. People waiting in line told FOX 17 crews they heard more than 36,000 tickets had been provided for the political event. Van Andel Arena's capacity is 12,000 people.
The rally is receiving extra attention since it comes right after the Republican National Convention and will be the first time Trump and his Vice President nominee JD Vance.
Doors opened for the public just after 1 p.m.
Thousands of people were lined up for hours, hoping to cheer on the Republican Nominee.
When you’ve been waiting in line for 4+ hours, what else is there to do other than make friends with the people around you?
— Max Goldwasser FOX 17 (@MaxGoldwasser) July 20, 2024
These ladies from Lansing and these men from Holland started the day as strangers. Now the men call them the “coolest women on the planet.”@FOX17 pic.twitter.com/OgrJqODf0l
Ionia Ave is lined with Trump supporters all the way past Studio Park, and this is only a fraction of the crowd.
— Max Goldwasser FOX 17 (@MaxGoldwasser) July 20, 2024
Remember, Van Andel only holds 12,000+. It’ll be interesting to see how many people don’t get inside. @FOX17 pic.twitter.com/RJwAcRepvE
This woman I spoke with waited in line for the #TrumpRally with her 12-year-old son.
— Max Goldwasser FOX 17 (@MaxGoldwasser) July 20, 2024
She told me she likes @realDonaldTrump because he's "not crooked."@FOX17 pic.twitter.com/WrFfZ4pQfQ
Security is top of mind for this event, especially after last Saturday's would-be assassin fired shots at the former president, killing one man and injuring several others.
Secret Service has been at Van Andel Arena all week securing the site.
Plans for the motorcade have been discussed for days, working in conjunction with local and state law enforcement agencies, which is standard in visits like this.
After last week, one expert tells us there will be a significant increase in security assistance as well.
If you're planning on attending, you'll want to ensure you're following the security rules put in place.
As always, there will be metal detectors when you enter the arena, and there is a no bag policy. Van Andel Arena's website does say small clutches are allowed.
There are also many prohibited items including alcoholic beverages, balloons, banners, signs and placards, e-cigarettes and noisemakers like air horns, whistles and drums.
With tens of thousands of people expected to come out for the rally, drivers and pedestrians should expect several street closures and lots of traffic.
Several of those closures were already in place on Saturday morning.
Parking lots and ramps will also be open, aside from a select few in close proximity to the arena.
The last time President Donald Trump held a rally in Grand Rapids was 2019. It also saw large crowds of supporters.
Stay tuned to FOX 17 for the latest updates both on-air and online.
