DALLAS — Thousands of visitors and Republican leaders will converge on downtown Dallas Wednesday and Thursday for the party’s first midterm convention, prompting security checkpoints and access restrictions around the American Airlines Center.
The event is expected to draw about 20,000 people as President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and other Republican leaders gather at the arena in Victory Park.
Security checkpoints now operate on the east, north and south sides of the American Airlines Center. Anyone driving or walking through the designated security zone must show identification or documentation explaining why they need access to the area.
Multiple barricades and checkpoints stood in place early Monday, while crews prepared tents, gates and a stage in the outdoor atrium outside the arena.
Authorities expect the security checkpoints to remain through Friday.
The convention will not follow the traditional format of a party convention, which typically includes nominations and delegate votes. Instead, Republican leaders will use the two-day event as a campaign-style rally to promote congressional candidates and the Trump administration’s agenda and record.
RNC Chairman Joe Gruters described the event as a showcase for Trump and the Republican “America First” agenda when he announced the convention in June.
Trump will speak both nights and deliver the closing keynote Thursday. Vance will headline Wednesday’s program.
The Texas GOP offered $10,000 tickets and “honorary delegate” credentials ahead of the convention, while organizers also invited other Republicans to attend without charge and held a free ticket lottery that closed Friday.
