UPDATE
MISSOULA – Folks are now being allowed in to park at east of Northstar off Corporate Way for President Trump’s Thursday evening rally in Missoula.
People were being turned away for a time early Thursday as the area had not been fully set up. Airport officials are urging that folks not come out to park until 1 p.m.
MISSOULA – President Donald Trump won’t be touching down in Missoula for several hours but folks are looking to get a head start on his third rally in Montana over the last four months.
One of the logistical issues that’s already posing some problems is the parking situation for the event which will start at 6:30 p.m. in a hangar at the Missoula International Airport.
Airport officials told MTN News on Wednesday that parking for the event would not be on airport property and instead would be located east of Northstar off Corporate Way.
Shuttles from the remote parking area will start at 2 p.m. Officials are asking that visitors refrain from driving in front of the terminal unless picking up or dropping off passengers.
Folks started turning out early Thursday morning forcing law enforcement to turn cars around from the parking area.
A Montana Highway Patrol trooper told MTN News the people would not be allowed to park for the event until 1 p.m. and vehicles were being turned back. The one exception was for anyone who was already parked for the event. They will be allowed to stay.
Airport officials have been in close contact with the U.S. Secret Service and the Trump campaign planning for Thursday’s rally as thousands are expected to turn out for the rally, which is being held in the Minuteman hangar at the airport.
The Montana Department of Transportation is warning drivers to expect delays and reduced speeds along Highway 10 near the airport. Additionally, MDT says that no parking on West Broadway will be allowed.
West Broadway will be closed approximately from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. west of the main airport entrance and at the intersection of West Broadway and Butler Creek Road.
All thru traffic will be detoured on Airway Boulevard, Expressway Drive, and Butler Creek Road during the closure. Regular airport access for travelers will remain open.
President Trump will be campaigning for Republican U.S. Senate candidate Matt Rosendale, who’s running against incumbent Democrat U.S. Senator Jon Tester.
MTN News will cover the rally live both on air and online beginning this evening.
-information from Kent Luetzen included in this report
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