UPDATE: 3:25 p.m. - April 16, 2025
The Fighting Oligarchy tour featuring U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont and U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was front and center on Wednesday in Missoula.
Lines began to form early in the morning to get into the event at the University of Montana, with over 9,000 people attending altogether.
Watch related coverage:
Sanders stayed true to his message about making sure the United States does not become an oligarchy.
Sanders took to the stage just after 2 p.m. and spoke for approximately 45 minutes.
Watch related coverage: "Fighting Oligarchy" attendees speak outside rally
This was the only rally in Montana and people from all over the state and the country came together for different reasons, but one common goal — to fight against oligarchy.
A rough crowd estimate showed 7,600 in the Adams Center and another 1,500 outside the venue.
Watch related coverage: Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez bring thousands to Fighting Oligarchy Tour stop in Missoula
ORIGINAL REPORT
The Fighting Oligarchy Tour featuring U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has kicked off at the Adams Center.
People began lining up early on Wednesday to get into the Missoula event, with a rough crowd estimate of 7,600 in the arena and another 1,500 outside the venue.
Sanders — who took the stage at 2:15 and spoke for approximately 45 minutes — also went outside the venue to talk with supporters.
Watch: Bernie Sanders addressing supporters outside the Adams Center
Ocasio-Cortez was speaking from the stage as of 1:50 p.m.
Access to the Adams Center is restricted and the facility is in a condition called lockdown, which means not even Griz cards will work.
Everyone attending was required to go through magnetometers for a screening process.
Bernie Sanders' team told MTN that no signs, bags, or weapons will be allowed inside the arena.
