At the highly-anticipated college football matchup between Alabama and Georgia on Saturday, former President Donald Trump received [1] a hero’s welcome as he joined the tens of thousands of spectators at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
WOW! Happening now, President Trump arrives in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. #TRUMP2024 [2] pic.twitter.com/mmJ4w16GJs [3]
— Dan Scavino Jr.🇺🇸🦅 (@DanScavino) September 28, 2024 [4]
A security presence was particularly noticeable, following two recent attempts on Trump’s life, one of which left him injured and resulted in the death of one of his supporters.
WATCH:
Secret Service is taking no chances at the Alabama Georgia game tonight.
Trump hasn’t even arrived yet.
Trump Force One has reportedly arrived at Birmingham airport and will be traveling to Bryant Denny Stadium shortly.
Kamala Harris’s campaign is reportedly furious… pic.twitter.com/g9gDV0G7A8 [5]
— Noah Griffith (@Noah_Griffith_) September 28, 2024 [6]
However, this did not dampen the spirits of the numerous students and fans who eagerly awaited the former president’s arrival.
Trump’s tradition of attending college football games, a practice he maintained during his campaign for the Republican primary and throughout his presidency at major games including the national championship matches in 2017 and 2020, was continued as he settled into the stadium amidst a climate of political fervor.
Confirming earlier this month his plans to attend the game, Trump arrived around halfway through the first quarter to the raucous cheers of spectators.
Their chants of “Four More Years” and “USA” resonated throughout the crowd, reaffirming the Republican nominee’s broad support base.
The crowd at the Alabama-Georgia game ERUPTS in cheering and chanting of “USA! USA!” as President Trump is shown on the Jumbotron:
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/1HXYH6uxOa [7]
— Sara Gonzales (@SaraGonzalesTX) September 29, 2024 [8]
The stadium was buzzing with excitement as Trump started to distribute hats and other memorabilia to the fans packed around his entrance.
The crowd, which numbered around 100,000, erupted into cheers once more when the former president was featured on the stadium’s scoreboard towards the end of the quarter.
HAPPENING NOW: Alabama fans go nuts after Donald Trump finds his seat at the Alabama vs. Georgia game.
Trump visited Tuscaloosa in 2019 when Alabama played LSU and in 2018 when Alabama defeated Georgia in the national title game.
Trump’s security at tonight’s game was… pic.twitter.com/1fvSc1yY3x [9]
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 29, 2024 [10]
Notable figures accompanied Trump, including Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Senator Katie Britt (R-AL), and golfing legend John Daly.
The chants of patriotism and support for another Trump term echoed once again after the former president found his seat in the luxury box.
The Republican Presidential nominee further engaged with the fans by tossing boxes of popcorn as he was showered with chants of “USA!” by the crowd from behind a protective steel gate in the stadium concourse.
HAPPENING NOW! President Trump arrives at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa for the Alabama vs. Georgia football game… pic.twitter.com/nYs4Hg2E2q [11]
— Dan Scavino Jr.🇺🇸🦅 (@DanScavino) September 29, 2024 [12]
Dan Scavino Jr., a Trump advisor, captured this moment in a tweet, highlighting a day filled with both sportsmanship and political camaraderie.
FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT! 🇺🇸🦅 pic.twitter.com/SKvkvuRmTS [13]
— Dan Scavino Jr.🇺🇸🦅 (@DanScavino) September 29, 2024 [14]
The enthusiastic encounters were complemented by the presence of outspoken Trump supporter Kid Rock in the vicinity.
Trump pulling up to the Bama game with John Daly and Kid Rock is LEGENDARY!
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
We are SO BACK.
pic.twitter.com/otVX8EZujU [15]
— Graham Allen (@GrahamAllen_1) September 29, 2024 [16]
Trump had arrived in Alabama after delivering a potent campaign speech in Wisconsin, where he vehemently criticized Kamala Harris for her handling of the migrant crisis.
His attendance at the game was made known to the public well ahead of the event, drawing not just fans but also the political attentions of opponents.
Engaged in his political battleground, Trump took to Truth Social to air his plans: “Left Wisconsin, where illegal migrants are causing havoc. I’ll take care of that situation, and fast! Just arrived in Alabama for big game with Georgia. Will be GREAT!!!”
He didn’t stop there, attacking Harris on the platform: “Kamala’s Illegal Migrants. It’s the biggest crime story of our time. She should resign or be IMPEACHED!”
The Harris campaign responded by airing an ad targeted at viewers watching from home.
The ad implied the importance of accepting challenges and hinted at a second presidential debate prompt: “Winners never back down from a challenge. Champions know it’s anytime, anyplace.”
Additionally, there were plans to fly a plane over the stadium bearing the words “Trump’s Punting on 2nd Debate,” although the flight didn’t take off due to weather conditions, according to the Washington Post.
As the political scene intertwines with American sports culture, the former president’s public appearances continue to stir the interests of both his constituents and competitors alike.