Donald Trump in Wilmington: From tickets to parking, what to know for Saturday's rally

Donald Trump, 2024 presidential candidate and former president, is expected to arrive in Wilmington on Saturday.

Trump's most recent visit to the Port City was in 2022 for his "Save America" rally.

This year, his visit coincides with another significant event for the former president, as Trump's criminal trial in New York began on Monday. Here's what you need to know about Trump's upcoming visit and what to anticipate.

Where to get tickets

The rally will be held at the Aero Center, located at 1830 Flightline Road, Wilmington, on the grounds of the Wilmington International Airport.

Tickets are available for free through the event webpage. Attendees can reserve up to two tickets online using their mobile number.

What to expect

On Saturday April 20, doors at the Aero Center are expected to open at 3 p.m., with the event expected to begin at 7 p.m., according to the event webpage.

Approximately 60 volunteers with the New Hanover County GOP will be present, according to Nevin Carr, chair of the New Hanover County Republican Party.

As of Tuesday, Carr did not have an estimate for the anticipated number of attendees at the rally, noting that the event is hosted by the Trump campaign team and not the New Hanover County Republican Party.

Thousands attended a similar Trump rally held at the Wilmington Aero Center in 2022.

Security and traffic

Lt. Jerry Brewer with the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office said deputies will be present at and around the Wilmington International Airport on Saturday.

No new road closures or traffic patterns are to be expected in preparation of the event, Brewer said on Tuesday.

Traffic congestion may increase due to Saturday's rally coinciding with the Honor Flight of the Cape Fear Area veterans welcome home celebration, set to begin at 9:30 p.m. at the airport. Ruth Smith, president of Honor Flight of the Cape Fear Area, encouraged attendees of the welcome home event to arrive early and park safely.

Airport operations will continue as normal, Erin McNally, PR Manager with Wilmington International Airport, said in an email.

"We encourage travelers to allow extra time on Saturday to arrive and park due to the events occurring," McNally wrote. "Airport Boulevard will remain open and we do not anticipate any impact to airport operations."

Parking availability

Wilmington International Airport currently operates six parking lots on site. Handicap parking is available in all lots, according to the airport's webpage.

Thirty minutes of parking is free in each lot, with the additional rate being $1 per hour. Maximum daily prices vary by lot.

McNally said travelers and event attendees can look online to see which lots have availability before arriving on Saturday.

Will it be livestreamed?

Livestream details have not yet been released by Trump’s team.

For those who are unable to attend the rally, the StarNews will also provide full day live blog coverage on Saturday -- including photos, traffic updates, event details, and more.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Donald Trump's Wilmington visit: What to know ahead of Saturday's rally