Trump Campaign, Event Venues Still Working On Details For Tulsa Rally

The Trump campaign said plans are still moving forward for Saturday's rally despite the rapidly-increasing COVID-19 case numbers.

Erin Perrine, Principal Deputy Communications Director for Donald J. Trump for President, Inc., said the campaign expects the BOK Center to be packed. While supporters are camping outside the arena to be first in line, there are a lot of details still being worked out.

Local leaders addressed concerns at Wednesday’s news conference with the City of Tulsa, Tulsa Health Department, Tulsa County Commission and Tulsa Police Department. "I think that we should have done any and everything we could to move this to some other time because as you all heard, our numbers are spiking," said Commissioner Karen Keith.

Regardless of where local leaders stand on the rally, the Trump campaign said it is excited. "It's a different time now, it's a different feel, but it will be the same great Trump rally that Americans across the country have come to expect, and I think this one will be maybe a little more raucous since it's the first back in three months," said Perrine.

Perrine said everyone will have their temperature checked and be given masks and hand sanitizer.

Wednesday, Ecolab in Tulsa started to install 500 hand sanitizer stations and dispensers in the BOK Center.

Perrine said the campaign does not yet know how many people will show up or what overflow options will be. "As with every rally, we build sizeable overflow outside with jumbotron screens and the ability for people to be comfortable outdoors if they can't get into the rally," said Perrine.

ASM, which is contracted with the City of Tulsa to manage the BOK Center and Cox Business Center, said event organizers are still working out details. "When ASM entered into their contract with the Trump campaign, they provided them with the state's reopening plan and told them, ‘You have to comply with this,’” said Mayor GT Bynum.

As preparations are still underway, those working behind the scenes ask for patience. "I would say you should plan on parking blocks away and walking,” said Tulsa Police Chief Wendell Franklin.

The Tulsa Airport told News On 6 staff are still coordinating with the United States Secret Service about details on the president’s landing. Staff do not know yet what areas will be open or closed to the public for viewing.

ASM said the following prohibited items that are typical of major events will apply to Saturday’s rally:

1. Alcohol, drugs, illegal substances or any paraphernalia associated with drug use
2. Audio/Video recorders, professional cameras, tripods
3. Selfie Sticks
4. Cans, bottles, coolers or other similar containers
5. Fireworks
6. Flags/Signs
7. iPads/tablets of any size
8. Laser pens/pointers of any type
9. Noisemakers such as air horns
10. Outside food or drinks
11. Pepper spray/Mace
12. Weapons of any type, including chains, knives, firearms and spiked jewelry
13. Any other item deemed unacceptable by event/building management

ASM said there will also be a clear bag policy for all guests, and clear bags over the size of 12x12x6 will not be permitted.