BATTLE CREEK, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — It’s a historic day for Battle Creek as President Trump brings his Merry Christmas rally to Kellogg Arena.
For those attending, protesting, or attempting to navigate around the city, here’s the latest information on the big event.
— EVENT DETAILS —
Air Force One will arrive at the Battle Creek Executive Airport at Kellogg Field around 6:15 p.m.
The rally kicks off at Kellogg Arena at 7 p.m. Wednesday with doors opening at 3 p.m.
Sales and Marketing Manager for the Kellogg Arena Kelly Walden says only about 6,500 people will be able to get in so they will have overflow space and giant screens at the Festival Market Square for those still hoping to watch the event.
— ROAD CLOSURES —
The road closures around the arena are as follows:
- Starting by 8 a.m., Hamblin Avenue will be closed from Capital Avenue SW to McCamly Street.
- Starting by 8 a.m., McCamly Street will be closed from Hamblin to Jackson Street.
- As the crowd increases at the arena and Festival Market Square, Jackson Street will close, then Michigan Avenue, moving north.
The following major roads will temporarily close as the police motorcade takes the President from the airport to the arena:
- Helmer Road
- Dickman Road
- Washington Avenue
- I-94
- M-66
- Capital Avenue SW will experience short, intermittent closures, but mostly will remain open
Specifics on what time these roads will close is not clear. Vice President Mike Pence will also be coming to Battle Creek after a “Workers for Trump” campaign rally in Saginaw Township
Law enforcement officers from multiple departments will help close these roads when needed, patrol around the arena, and work with Battle Creek Police and city officials to monitor the event.
— HOW TO GET TO THE ARENA —
Battle Creek city officials are recommending the following two parking routes to get into the downtown area:
- Dickman Road, to Washington Avenue to Van Buren Street
- M-66 to Van Buren Street
— WHERE TO PARK —
Attendees should follow this interactive parking map. Keep in mind some parking areas are only available at specific times, while others will be open all day and could fill up fast.
There is no parking in the following downtown areas:
- Full Blast (35 Hamblin Ave.), both sides of the building
- Wave Square, at McCamly and Jackson streets
- Riverwalk Centre parking ramp
- Hamblin Avenue parking ramp
Check out our article here for more parking details.
Battle Creek transit will be running their typical, weekday services but expect delays, especially into the afternoon. Weekday bus service runs from 5:15 a.m. to 6:45 p.m., and Tele-Transit service runs from 5:15 a.m. to midnight.
However, will be some transit detours around the arena. More information can be found here.
— PLAN AHEAD —
City officials say attendees should expect long lines, heavy traffic, and tight security. Those waiting to get in should dress warm as entrance to get in is on a first come first served basis.
Battle Creek Police say a good rule of thumb is don’t bring anything that couldn’t make it on a commercial flight. More information can be found on the Kellogg Arena’s website.
Some of the prohibited items include:
- Aerosols
- Ammunition
- Animals other than service/guide animals
- Backpacks
- Bags and signs exceeding size restrictions
- Bicycles
- Balloons
- Coolers
- Drones and other unmanned aircraft systems
- Explosives
- Firearms
- Glass, thermal, or metal containers
- Laser pointers
- Mace / Pepper spray
- Packages
- Selfie Sticks
- Structures
- Supports for signs and placards
- Toy guns
- Explosives
- Weapons of any kind
- Recreational motorized mobility devices
More event details can be found here.
— PROTESTERS —
Authorities say protesting groups are also prohibited from blocking sidewalks, businesses and roads.
Details on planned protests and marches near the arena can be found here.
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We’ll have full coverage of the event with photos, videos, and more throughout the day.
