Out-of-town pool report #11 - arena

The arena, bathed in red, white and blue light and with the usual jumbotron hanging from the ceiling, is full on the floor level and most of the lower tiers. With just over 10 minutes until the scheduled time for President Trump’s remarks, the middle tiers are around two thirds full, and the upper levels have a lot of empty seats, especially at the back and on the left.

Some delegates are waving the Stars and Stripes, and there is no shortage of cowboy hats on the main floor. A speaker with apparent ties to MMA was on stage as pool entered, now music is blaring, we’ve had Pinball Wizard by The Who, Gloria by Laura Brannigan and a remix of Billie Jean since entering.

A huge screen behind the podium says 2026 Republican Convention and two screens saying Dallas 2026 are on either side of the stage.

Danny Kemp

AFP White House correspondent