President Donald Trump’s rally at the Coliseum is later today, but the festivities and traffic woes have already kicked off in North Charleston. Officials at the Coliseum are expecting the roughly 14,000 seat venue to be at capacity.
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Besides the crowd control barricades, port-a-potties, and digital signs welcoming dear leader, there are already some eagerly awaiting for the commander-in-chief’s campaign rally.
The Charleston International Airport is warning passengers that there will be delays and road closures surrounding the event, which is set to start at 7 p.m. on Friday. Airport customers are advised to take Dorchester Road to Michaux Parkway instead of International Blvd.
The Coliseum has issued a parking advisory, warning that all available parking will be taken by Friday morning. (Parking lots at the Coliseum opened at 7 a.m. on Thursday morning.) As of Thursday at 12:30 p.m., the Tanger Outlets have blocked off side entrances to their parking lot. Attendees are strongly encouraged to take Uber or Lyft.
UPDATE: As of 9:52 a.m. on Friday morning, all parking at the North Charleston Coliseum is full.
Tickets were distributed for free from Donald Trump’s campaign website. Tickets are still available, although it does note that the seats are first-come, first-served basis.
Tickets were distributed for free from Donald Trump’s campaign website. Tickets are still available, although it does note that the seats are first-come, first-served basis.
If you’re attending the rally, doors open at 3 p.m. for the 7 p.m. event. Guests will be screened by the Secret Service, and there is a list of prohibited items, including: alcoholic beverages, backpacks, balloons, balls, banners, signs and sign support, coolers, electronic cigarettes, explosives of any kind, laser pointers, selfie sticks, and appliances.
Somewhat ironically, the touring revival of The Color Purple is scheduled simultaneously at North Charleston Performing Arts Center next door. Attendees are advised to park at the Verizon parking lot located at 2401 Mall Drive. Shuttles will be available to transport attendees to the Performing Arts Center before and after the show.
And as of Thursday at noon, a Trump merch booth was already set up. Keep America great with a $20 coffee mug, or whatever other probably-made-in-China red, white, and blue merch makes your Trump-lovin’ heart soar like a bald eagle. Love Best of Charleston? Help the Charleston City Paper keep Best of Charleston going every year with a donation. Or sign up to become a member of the Charleston City Paper club.