What we know, impacts on traffic and more

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is bringing his campaign to Berks County and will hold a rally Wednesday at Santander Arena in Reading, starting at 5 p.m. with opening speakers

Trump is expected to take the stage at 7 p.m

City police and officials announced Tuesday that portions of Penn and Cherry streets near the arena at 700 Penn St. will be closed to traffic and parking starting at 8 a.m. today. They also noted that the Penn Street Bridge may be temporarily closed in some locations.

Other streets in Berks could be affected by the visit.

Access to the arena requires a free ticket, which can be requested online and is available on a first come, first served basis. The maximum registration is two tickets per mobile phone number.

The doors to the arena will open at 3 p.m

Counter-protests are expected, with Make the Road Action in Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania Stands Up announcing a Reading Protest Against Trump gathering at 522 Court St., Reading, at 4:30 p.m., followed by a rally and protest at the Corner of Eighth Street and Penn Street.

Former President Trump is also scheduled to appear at the Riverfront Sports Complex in Scranton on Wednesday at 3 p.m.

Trump's vice presidential nominee, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, held a rally at the Berks County Fairgrounds in Bern Township on Sept. 21, harping on Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris' platform.

Minnesota Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz visited Reading on Oct. 2 and met with Latino business leaders at Mofongo Restaurant.

On Friday, the Trump campaign is scheduled to stop in Aurora, Colorado, and Reno, Nevada.

Originally published: October 9, 2024 at 5:00 am