MISSOULA – President Donald Trump will touch down in Missoula on Thursday, October 18 for his third rally in Montana in the last four months.
He will campaign for Republican U.S. Senate candidate Matt Rosendale, who’s running against incumbent Democrat U.S. Senator Jon Tester.
Preparations are in full swing and many questions still remain, one of those being where rally goers will park.
“Logistic-wise for customers coming here, it’s a challenge because we have limited parking. Campaign staff had to find an off-site venue, so now everyone has to be bussed in versus drive in and walk,” Aiport Deputy Director Brian Ellestad said. “Pedestrian traffic will not be permitted. Everyone has to get to the bus and come on over.”
As of Wednesday evening, Missoula International Airport officials say parking for the event will not be on airport property and will be located east of Northstar off Corporate Way.
Shuttles from the remote parking area will start at 2 p.m. Officials are asking visitors to refrain from driving in front of the terminal unless picking up or dropping off passengers.
Parking for the campaign rally will NOT be on Airport property. It will be East of Northstar off Corporate way. Shuttles from the remote parking area will start at 2:00 PM. Please refrain from driving in front of the terminal unless picking up or dropping off passengers.
— Missoula Airport (@MissoulaAirport) October 18, 2018
Airport officials have been in close contact with the U.S. Secret Service and the Trump campaign planning for Thursday’s rally.
Ellestad said there is a lot of moving parts to President Trump’s visit
“Our focus will be on the inside of the fence per say – getting the aircraft safely here, working with secret service,” Ellestad said. “The County is providing resources and they’ll be really handling the streets and event itself.”
Ellestad said airport customers should plan for a little extra travel time due to heavy traffic in the area.
The rally is at the Minuteman Hangar at Missoula International Airport and begins at 6:30 p.m. The President will land at the airport and speak in front of Air Force One meaning there will be no motorcade.
There is still no word as to whether Senator Steve Daines or Congressman Greg Gianforte will be in attendance.
-Reported by Kent Luetzen/MTN News
(October 15, 2018) Details surrounding President Donald Trump’s visit to Missoula on Thursday have slightly changed.
Kevin Condot with Neptune Aviation says the rally will now be held at Minuteman aviation hangar on Thursday, October 18, just west of the Missoula International Airport terminal.
The rally was previously scheduled to take place at Neptune Aviation hangar.
The time of the event has not changed. The rally starts at 6:30 p.m. with doors opening at 3:30 p.m.
Click here to request free tickets at the Trump website.
President Trump visited Great Falls in July, and Billings in September, to support Republican US Senate candidate Matt Rosendale in his efforts to unseat Democratic US Senator Jon Tester.
