Dallas is tightening security around the American Airlines Center for the first ever Republican Convention, with fences already going up and checkpoints planned for foot and vehicle traffic. The convention starts at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 9, and the street closures and access limits will stay in place through midnight on Sept. 11.
Christina Foley, the U.S. Secret Service agent in charge of the Dallas field office, said there may be “restricted areas or rolling street closures, things like that.” Dallas is also estimating a $1.8 million cost for Dallas Police to provide security for the event.
American Airlines Center security
Temporary fencing was being installed around the area surrounding the American Airlines Center on Thursday, and Secret Service agents were seen inspecting the area. Foley said checkpoints will be required for both foot traffic and vehicle traffic around the arena for the duration of the convention.
The convention is set for Sept. 9-10, with Vice President J.D. Vance keynoting the first night and Trump keynoting the second night. Trump will appear both nights.
Victory Park street closures
Several streets near the American Airlines Center will be closed from Sept. 7 until midnight on Sept. 11, including Victory Avenue, North Houston Street, Nowitzki Way, Payne Street and North Field Street. The DART Victory Park station will be closed during the event, and no Uber or Lyft rideshares will be allowed in the secure zone around the convention.
That leaves downtown Dallas residents, vendors and businesses inside the secure zone with fewer access options than usual. Business owners are being told to obtain credentials to keep working, while residents inside the secure zone have not yet heard from their apartments about security protocols.
John Collins on the balcony
John Collins, who lives inside the secure zone with his family, said, “I've been watching the fences go up from my balcony, and I've been wondering what's going on.” David Christopherson, who represents Metro Tickets, said his office is trying to get credentials for everybody who works there.
He also said, “We don't get our parking spots that we normally get underneath the building. They went and rented a place across the street for us, so we've got parking.” For people who live or work inside the secure zone, the immediate practical issue is whether building access and parking will remain workable once the convention begins.
