HARRISBURG, Pa. — More than 8,000 people are expected to pile into the large arena at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex for former President Donald Trump's keynote speech at the National Rifle Association's Great American Outdoor Show on Friday night.
Security measures will be in place and there are a few things that will not be allowed during the speech. At the largest outdoor show in the country, guns will be prohibited during the event.
The Great American Outdoor Show is preparing to welcome the current front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination.
Anyone with a ticket to the Great American Outdoor Show can attend.
"We are definitely going to see an increase in traffic, especially for the [former] president," said Billy McLaughlin, an NRA spokesman. 'We are super excited to welcome anyone who wants to come and see President Trump and hear from him and see how he’s going to deliver."
McLaughlin said the keynote address is one of the highlights of the week for attendees. Long a proponent of second-amendment rights, the NRA says the former president was an appropriate choice to deliver the address.
"We’re super excited to have President Trump here," McLaughlin said. "He’s a true defender of freedom, NRA life member, and there’s going to be 8,000 people tomorrow that are excited to hear from him."
Crews are setting the stage, preparing for Trump’s arrival. The former president is expected to fill the seats and floor of the farm show’s large arena.
The United States Secret Service will funnel guests through security screenings before entering the arena.
Despite the National Rifle Association’s insistence that more guns increase safety; firearms, ammunition, and knives will not be allowed in the event.
"Tomorrow’s event security is taken over by the Secret Service. It’s not the NRA," McLaughlin said. "Of course, in this GIANT Farm Show Complex people are able to carry firearms throughout the full 9-day show, but specifically during this event we have to refer to the Secret Service, because they are the ones who are protecting Donald Trump."
The Farm Show Complex will not hold attendees’ firearms during the speech and prefers guests not bring any bags to the event.
Aside from some reserved spots, seating is first come first serve.
The keynote address from President Trump is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. and will last until 7 p.m. Friday evening. Trump will likely take the stage around 6 p.m.
Doors are scheduled to open Friday at 3 p.m. The NRA said attendees will not be allowed to start lining up for the event until 12:30 p.m.
FOX43 plans to attend Friday's address and will provide details of the speech in subsequent web postings.