The event for the candidate, which took place Oct. 27, 2016, drew both supporters and protesters from as far away as Kentucky to the city. President Trump spoke about many of the promises that made up the bulk of his campaign during the 2016 election, including building a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico, withdrawing from the NAFTA agreement, working to bring more jobs back to the U.S. and increasing spending at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
» MORE COVERAGE: Trump targets NAFTA, immigration, Clinton at Clark County rally
» RELATED: Donald Trump fights for Ohio votes in Springfield
People eager to attend the rally began lining up outside the center as early as 5 a.m. to get seats for Trump’s speech, even though doors didn’t open until 10 a.m. that day.
“I want to be first in line to see our next president,” Springfield resident Michelle Butler said. “He’s going to take America back.”
The rally had about 8,500 attendees in total. Several people had to be turned away at the doors because the center reached maximum capacity.
Traffic around the fairgrounds backed up for about as far as Bird Road on eastbound Ohio 41 because of the number of people trying to attend. Drivers went as far as to leave their vehicles along the Interstate 70 exit ramp for Ohio 41 just to find parking. After the event, the Ohio State Highway Patrol said it took about an hour and 20 minutes to get everyone clear of the parking lot and back on the roadways. Despite the congestion, no major traffic incidents were reported.
3 Must Read Stories
» READ MORE: Clark County leaders: Drug ‘emergency first step, more action needed
» READ MORE: John Legend and family at Fairmont, Springfield HS football game
» READ MORE: Springfield to mark 500th anniversary of important historical moment
About the Author