Note: This article is going to be updated often during the week, to add more info as it becomes available.
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Donald Trump has selected Tulsa, Oklahoma to be the site of his coming out of Covid party. It is already being called 'The Mother of all Campaign rallies', as nearly 1 million requests for free tickets are reported by the Trump election team.
Tulsa citizens are determined to make this a success for every visitor coming to Tulsa, as will as the 400,000 citizens who live in Tulsa. To that end, many are already helping provide logistical support for travelers. This article will become a progressive work over the week as we draw near to the Saturday rally. Here are some pointers and advisories. Getting To Tulsa
1. Get to Tulsa by Friday, if at all possible. Events like this have caused whole interstate highway systems to become parking lots because everyone thought they could arrive on the morning of the event. If you've been a longtime listener to the Rush Limbaugh Show, you may recall the "Dan's Bake Sale" in Fort Collins which drew 90,000 attendees. Many of them sat on interstate 25 for most of that Saturday, because they thought; 'There won't be that many going'. Let's hope all of you get safely to Tulsa by Friday and the highways will be accessible for the first responders to get to citizens in need. If you get here early, city planners and event planners can better predict the expected crowds at the arena and be better prepared to make your rally experience a happy one.
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Trump Supporters Are Already in line for the Saturday Rally!
The BOK Arena will likely have several adjacent streets closed to vehicle traffic. We project the streets in green to be for pedestrian only, on Saturday.
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2. Tulsa's 'Bank of Oklahoma'(BOK) Arena is part of an event complex in Downtown Tulsa. It holds just shy of 20,000 capacity, but the Cox Convention Center is the building to the SW and shares the same parking resources. An overflow facility is already announced and can handle many thousands there. Some speakers plan to make appearances and greet attendees at both stages. In addition, the campaign has, in the past, set up massive outdoor screens in the exterior of the arena, for crowds out in the shut down streets(as was the case last fall, in Mpls.). We are merely speculating that that may also be a reality if you come in numbers warranting those accommodations. If it's possible, the streets and venues could handle up to 50,000 rally-goers. but some will be watching in open-air conditions on screens about the size of a drive-in theater. There are contingencies for even bigger crowds, but nothing is announced yet.
3. Recreational vehicles and campers are an option worth arranging. Don't expect a hotel, if you haven't already paid for one. Many retailers and institutions are likely to announce added accommodations for RV parking. Yes, there are commercial RV parks around Tulsa, but not enough for this event. It's legal to park a motorized RV on most residential streets, but a well-lit Retail parking lot may be preferable, unless you're parked outside a Tulsa friend's home.
4. Tulsans are being encouraged to offer extra rooms on Air B&B or other such marketplaces. We want to encourage more of this type of commerce. travelers would rather stay at the home of a fellow Trump supporter and perhaps make a new network contact. Keep watching the lodging websites for new accommodations being offered. Move fast when an offer comes up.
Getting to the Arena
1. There are many parking garages in downtown Tulsa. Thankfully the event is moved to Saturday, and the office buildings are mostly closed. Expect several streets around the arena to be closed, and even an interstate exit or two. But the city leaders want you to get where you need to be, so police will be helpful. Still, it would be extremely helpful to pack your vehicles so that we don't have to deal with more parked cars than necessary.
2. Shuttle Buses are likely to be announced, as well as the regular city bus saturday routes. We will be posting that data to this page as we get it. But check back daily for even more updates as they come in. Some buses are likely to be arranged to satellite parking locations. They are a great option for those who absolutely hate finding event parking in unfamiliar cities.
3. 'Camping' in the 'downtown loop' is banned by city ordinance. Members of Occupy Wall Street were prosecuted, and so will anyone whom city cops deem to be in violation. Planners are attempting to prevent overnight lines. (Meanwhile, the transients are sleeping on other downtown sidewalks)
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3. Come downtown before the June heat & humidity hits. Wear comfortable footwear and light clothing. Sunblock and a wide-brimmed hat will be advised. Don't bring a chair unless you intend to throw it away at the arena doors. Bring external battery packs for your cellphones & cameras. Use a throw away bag for food & beverages. You will not be allowed to bring liquids into the arenas. Concessions will be available once inside. Don't bring an umbrella unless you plan to throw it away, but you may want a cheap rain poncho in case we get rain.
Watch for wheelchair access entrances for those with severe disabilities. Trump's team does try to provide for their needs.
4. Make the most of the day while in town. Many campaigns are also going to be there, seeking support in Oklahoma's upcoming primary elections (less than 2 weeks away).
Watch for wheelchair access entrances for those with severe disabilities. Trump's team does try to provide for their needs.
4. Make the most of the day while in town. Many campaigns are also going to be there, seeking support in Oklahoma's upcoming primary elections (less than 2 weeks away).
Tuesday Updates:
We're working on several details for accommodating massive amounts of visitors. RV parking, Residential lodging (such as Air BNB), and busing to the downtown arena.
City Bus System (Tulsa Transit)
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The Mayor's office & Tulsa Transit have not provided any added accommodations for the Saturday rally. Tulsa Transit city bus system has all the infrastructure to be a perfect option to get folks to & from the BOK Arena, because their Hub is across Denver Ave, from the Arena. But the bus drivers are told to limit riders on the bus to 10, and just drive right by bus stops where folks are waiting for their hourly route stop. We called Tulsa Transit and were told that no special accommodations are available for Saturday. In fact, some routes are going to be less frequent this Saturday.
We left a message on the Mayor's social media acct, and are still waiting for a response. We will post that info ASAP, if the mayor decides to get back to us. If the city does decide to set up satellite parking and shuttle buses, it will be a massive step to make the job of police and other downtown public safety workers much easier. |
Housing Options
Lodging innovators like AirBNB are a great way for local residents to make the most of this opportunity. Here's a great way for Tulsans to make some vacation spending money and help a Trump supporter get to be a part of the Tulsa events. AirBNB has a great introductory page for Tulsans to read, which helps walk property owners through the process of renting a spare bedroom, living room couch, or whole house; to a weekend traveler.
RV Lots
The Tulsa State Fairgrounds is one of the largest designated RV parks in Tulsa County. There are other privately owned commercial RV parks around the metro area, as well.
Additionally, several larger retailers, shopping centers, places of worship, and institutional facilities have policies to accommodate self-contained motor homes with certain reasonable rules of conduct & protocols. We're not listing retail shop parking lots because we're not yet able to confirm who is prepared to handle a large group of RVs. |
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Wednesday
The Trump Theater
Laura Trump announced the Trump Outdoor Theater on 3rd & Frisco Ave, between the two indoor venues. It will allow for full & unregulated viewing of the Trump rally for those who cannot gain entry, or choose to remain outside.
TPD Confirms Rolling Street Closures
Tulsa Police said they will use their social media accts on Facebook & Twitter, to notify the public of roads being modified to the limit of vehicle traffic.
the first closures will begin Thursday night. |
3rd & Frisco will be the site of the "Frisco Theater' that will accommodate those not going inside the venues.
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