Former President Donald Trump will hold a rally in Charlotte Wednesday evening, and traffic is expected to be backed up for hours.
Trump is set to speak at 6 p.m. at Bojangles Coliseum.
The coliseum is at 2700 E. Independence Boulevard, an area that already experiences heavy traffic around rush hour. Traffic back-ups are also expected around Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
"Residents can expect delays between noon and 10 p.m. around Bojangles Coliseum," Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said. "There will also be delays near Charlotte Douglas Airport between 4 p.m. and 8:30 p.m."
The event comes less than a week after Trump accepted the presidential nomination at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, WI, and just days after President Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race.
Biden officially dropped out of the race on Sunday. Vice President Kamala Harris, endorsed by Biden, is the front-runner to become the next Democratic nominee.
Harris visited North Carolina last week as Biden was home recovering from COVID-19.
Top Biden campaign officials have set their sights on North Carolina as a possible pick-up opportunity after Trump won the state by around 1% in 2020.
Trump is expected to turn his full focus on Harris, his likely new opponent, at Wednesday's rally.
Related article: Trump expected to turn his full focus on Harris at first rally since Biden's exit from 2024 race
Security is expected to be heightened at the Charlotte rally following a July 13 assassination attempt on Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, where the former president was shot in his right ear. One person was killed and two others were injured in the attack.
Event parking
Parking lots will open at 8 a.m., hours before the event starts. Doors open at 2 p.m.
Parking will be limited, according to event organizers, and traffic is expected to be heavy.
"We recommend using city transit, ride share services, or carpooling," event organizers said.
Guests can access the parking lots via Paul Buck Boulevard and Arena Boulevard, or by US-74 using the Briar Creek exit and turning into the main Park Expo lot.
The rideshare drop-off and pickup point is on Paul Buck Boulevard at Arena Boulevard near Ovens Auditorium.
Attendees can follow real-time traffic updates on the Bojangles Coliseum X page, formerly known as Twitter.
Tickets
All attendees must register for the event on the official Donald J. Trump website. According to the website, attendees may only register up to two tickets per mobile number per event. All tickets are subject to first-come, first-serve basis.
Bag policy
Visitors may bring bags, such as a small clutch purse, that are a maximum size of 4.5 by 6.5 inches, or clear bags that are a maximum size of 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches.
Prohibited items
Vapes, video recorders, weapons, cameras, laser pointers, large electronics, outside food or drinks and large bags or backpacks are not allowed.
"All patrons are subject to search and there is no re-entry," event organizers said.
Food and drink
Outside food and drink is not allowed, but concessions will be operating. The event is cashless, and only credit and debit cards will be accepted for payment.
"By entering the Bojangles Entertainment Complex, you agree to assume all risks to yourself or to any accompanying minors, including personal injury, loss or theft of personal property, and illness, and you agree you will not hold the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, the City of Charlotte, their employees or their contractors liable for any such injury, loss or illness," Bojangles Coliseum states on its website.