Presidential Visit Draws Protests, Aerial Advertisers, Police Presence & More

Excitement, anticipation and activism are palpable in Tuscaloosa Wednesday ahead of President Donald Trump's speech at the University of Alabama tomorrow evening.

As the Thread has reported, Trump, retired Alabama football Coach Nick Saban and outgoing UA President Stuart Bell will take the stage in Coleman Coliseum Thursday to speak to graduates, faculty members and their guests ahead of commencement ceremonies at UA this weekend.

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The visit has drawn in the President's supporters as well as many who will protest his presence at the ceremony or his policies so far in his second term.

SNOW HINTON PARK

Probably the largest demonstration in town is planned for Snow Hinton Park, where former Senator Doug Jones will join Texas Democrat Beto O'Rourke for the Tide Against Trump Rally at Snow Hinton Park from 5 to 7 p.m.

Barricades were already being placed in Snow Hinton Park on Wednesday to separate those protestors from an anticipated crowd of counter-protestors expected to attend in support of Trump.

GOVERNMENT PLAZA

Elsewhere, Indivisible of Northport-Tuscaloosa will hold a rally from 4-7 p.m. in Government Plaza, including plans for a march towards campus around the time of the Presidential address.

ON CAMPUS

The University of Alabama has also allocated space for demonstrators on both sides of the political aisle, though strict rules will be in place and no protests will be permitted outside of the designated areas.

Butler Field, the practice field for UA's Million Dollar Band, protestors against Trump and his visit will have space to assemble.

On the other side of University Boulevard, UA will welcome counter-protests - those who support the President - in the grassy area between the University Medical Center and a row of fraternity houses.

There is a long set of rules governing the demonstrations, and UA says if they are not followed, demonstrations could be canceled or dispersed. Students who violate the Code of Conduct could be expelled, employees must follow the rules of the Faculty Handbook and anyone who acts out could face a ban from campus.

AERIAL ADVERTISERS RETURN

Not even the airspace in Tuscaloosa is free of demonstrations on Wednesday - a plane is circling the Druid City with a message saying "Only 33% of College Grads Approve of Trump."

POLICE PRESENCE

There is also a noticeable law enforcement presence across the city this week, and Tuscaloosa residents should expect that to only ramp up on Thursday.

The President's route as well as his arrival and departure times, are being kept quiet as a matter of security, but expect widespread road closures around campus before, during and after the ceremony.

A TPD official said they are coordinating traffic control and there will be temporary closures Thursday afternoon and evening.

Officers have also visited local businesses which may be impacted by the road closures to make them aware of the limited disruption.