WACO, Texas — The City of Waco held a press conference to discuss logistics and preparation for Donald Trump's campaign rally at the Waco Convention Center on Thursday, March 23 at 1:30 p.m.
At the press conference, city officials confirmed that event organizers have paid the bill for the rally, a bill that included the cost of traffic control, event safety and use of the grounds.
Waco's Director of Parks and Recreation Jonathan Cook touched on what this event means to the City of Waco.
"From our city standpoint, you know, we've grown, we're continuing to grow and millions of people are visiting our vibrant city each year," Cook said.
"Personally I feel what this means to have a large gathering on a national scale, it showcases our ability as a city, as a city staff and also different agencies throughout the county and the state, that we come together as a team to provide a safe gathering place for the public," Cook exclaimed.
Cook says that this event is free and open to the public. However, people are encouraged to register ahead of time on the event website, so that they can receive parking information.
City officials say that attendees will be able to start parking as early as 8 a.m. when the lines open and officers will be on site to direct people through 12 parking lots.
It is also noted that this is a standing room only event with no chairs being permitted inside the venue.
The rally is scheduled to be held at the Waco Regional Airport on 7909 Karl May Dr. on Saturday, March 25 at 5 p.m.
City officials are expecting close to 15,000 people in attendance. The city announced that the rally will cause several changes to traffic in the China Spring area.
Areas that will be controlled by law enforcement include the following:
- Intersection of Flat Rock Road and Skeet Eason Road
- Steinbeck Bend
- China Spring Highway
- North 19th Street
To view more information on impacted roads, visit here.
