Hopeful "Trump-a-palooza" patrons stuck in an endless line in spiking heat received a telling response from GOP Convention organizers on Wednesday, according to a local reporter.
Those unwilling to pay up to $20,000 for guaranteed entry to Trump's two-day Republican rally in Dallas faced a slew of obstacles, including a heat advisory, lines to get in line, strict security measures, and limited access to hydration, according to D Magazine reporter Steven Monacelli.
"Due to bag restrictions and no press pass, I am unable to bring a water bottle, snacks, or my laptop," the Dallas-based reporter warned. "I am unsure of what the food at American Airlines will look like, so my posts may become increasingly incoherent throughout the day."
Dallas was under a heat warning Wednesday, with temperatures predicted to hit 99 degrees as up to 20,000 hopeful attendees waited to get into the American Airlines Center.
Guests seeking free entry were told to expect an entry process that would take up to five-and-a-half hours and include driving to a horse racing track for tickets, boarding shuttle buses to the convention, clearing security, and then waiting.
"I signed up for a ticket," said Texan Laney Hawes. "Then I got the instructions for ticket pick-up."
Monacelli told his X followers he was on the line because the GOP Convention had never responded to his request for credentials. He then shared what happened as the temperature started to rise.
"An organizer announced to the snaking line of people waiting for tickets that they can go inside where there are open concessions if they feel faint," Monacelli wrote. The offer came with a request: "Save that space for people who truly feel faint."
Meanwhile, Monacelli said he waited nearly an hour in line before he found someone who could sell him a bottle of Gatorade. He said it cost $7.
