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CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – President Trump is scheduled to fly into Fort Campbell on Saturday and then head to Clarksville for a midterm election rally. His motorcade will travel across town to the F&M Bank Arena near Austin Peay State University.
The Republican National Committee announced it is adding the stop to its Red State midterm rally schedule. It is the first presidential visit to the area in years.
“I think it’s exciting for the city,” said Clarksville resident Renny Sotero.
But not everyone shares that view.
“I know he’s the president, but I’m not so much excited. Not many people agree with him here,” said Saia Panama.
Barricades are up and police have started positioning around the F&M Bank Arena ahead of Saturday’s rally, which starts at 1:30 p.m. CT with doors opening at 11 a.m. With several other events happening downtown Saturday, Clarksville police have issued a traffic advisory.
Roads around the downtown area and along the motorcade route will be closed throughout the day, and security is expected to be tight.
“We hope they at least leave some of the roads open for our customers,” one business owner said.
Businesses are also preparing for what they hope will be a boost. Down the street from the F&M Bank Arena, a World War II warship is on display in the river, and the Austin Peay football game kicks off at 6 p.m.
Bonita Lacey, owner of B’s Cheesecakes, said she just hopes customers bring their business regardless of political affiliation.
“We are very excited, we’ve got a lot going on. We’ve got the motorcade that may or may not come in front of us, [the] warship behind us, and Austin Peay playing, so a lot going on,” Lacey said.
Clarksville police are warning anyone coming to the downtown area to leave plenty of time for travel and to prepare to walk.
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