Know Before You Go: Road Closures Coming Ahead of Trump/Vance Rally in Grand Rapids

Former President Donald Trump and his vice presidential running mate JD Vance will be in Grand Rapids for a rally at Van Andel Arena on Saturday, July 20, 2024. Ahead of the visit, the City of Grand Rapids is advising residents that there will be several road closures around the city because of the event.

Donald Trump and JD Vance in Grand Rapids July 20

The campaign stop will take place at Van Andel Arena on Saturday. Officials say that doors for the event will open at 12 p.m. (noon), and the event will kick off at 5 p.m.

Road Closures in Downtown Grand Rapids for Trump/Vance Campaign Stop

Those planning to come to downtown Grand Rapids either for the event or for something unrelated should note the following road closures:

• Fulton St. will be closed from Market/Monroe Ave. to Ionia Ave. (Note: the intersection of Fulton and Division is also currently closed.)
• Ottawa Ave. will be closed from Fulton St. to Oakes St.
• Oakes St. will be closed from Ottawa Ave. to Ionia Ave. 
• Weston St. will be closed from Ionia Ave. to the Van Andel Arena.

Residents should also expect to see rolling, short-term closures before and after the event (likely as President Trump and Senator Vance make their way to and from the arena to Gerald R. Ford International Airport.

Parking for the Trump/Vance Campaign Stop in Grand Rapids

All parking ramps and lots downtown will be open with the exception of Grand Rapids Parking Area 2 (the lot located directly behind Van Andel Arena.) Metered parking is also available, however, the city says that the meters around the arena will not be available.

Safety/Security Measures for the Trump/Vance Campaign Stop in Grand Rapids

In a release, Grand Rapids Police Department Chief Eric Winstrom said,

The safety and security of everyone in downtown and elsewhere in our city is our top priority. We are asking everyone to allow extra time for travel and parking, to cooperate with directions given by law enforcement, and be to be patient and courteous.

In addition to the GRPD, law enforcement officers from the Kent County Sheriff's Office, Michigan State Police, and other neighboring police departments will be present downtown before, during, and after the event.