City of Tupelo prepares for President Trump’s visit

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – Preparations are underway for President Donald Trump’s visit to Tupelo as he rallies in support for Republican Gubernatorial candidate Tate Reeves.

Weeks before the official announcement that President Donald Trump would visit Tupelo, city and county leaders worked with the President’s campaign, the White House and Secret Service.

“Lot of that information can’t be disclosed to the public, but know our police department, fire department, even public works department is working hand in hand with Presidential security team to make sure President’s safety is protected here in the city of Tupelo,” said Tupelo Mayor Jason Shelton.

What can be disclosed involves parking in and around the Bancorpsouth Arena. The parking lots will be opened sometime Friday morning. Lot B on the west side will be available for public parking, Lot D on the east side will have limited public parking as well as handicapped parking

No parking will be allowed at the former Tupelo Automobile Museum, or the former Megasports building. And several streets will be closed through most of the day.

Tupelo Police Chief Bart Aguirre said his officers are building on what they learned from the President’s visit last year.

“We know a lot of the agents already, we’ve worked with them before, they know a lot of people with Tupelo Police, Sheriff’s Department, Highway Patrol that are involved in the security aspects, of the presidential visit,” Chief Aguirre said.

Just like last November’s visit by President Donald Trump, a large crowd is expected Friday. Ticket holders will enter through a fenced-in area, where they will go through security checkpoints.

As many as 10,000 may be allowed inside, the overflow will watch the rally on a Jumbotron in the parking lot. People are encouraged to get to the arena early.

“Probably closer to 7 a.m., we will open those lots up, and people can park in designated spots and start lining up,” said Todd Hunt, director of the Bancorpsouth Arena.

Plans call for the arena doors to open at Friday afternoon at 4 p.m. Of course, that is decided by the Secret Service and is subject to change.

Officials urge people to plan for delays if they have to travel in or near the downtown area Friday. Also, anyone flying in or out of Tupelo Regional Airport can expect delays when Air Force One is in the area.