Donald Trump brought the house down when he showed up at the highly anticipated college football game between the University of Alabama and the University of Georgia on Saturday, despite extensive security measures.
The former president prompted an eruption of applause from Southeastern Conference (SEC) fans – typically a more conservative group – as he arrived before heading into a seemingly “bulletproof,” glass-laden luxury box.
In the luxurious, glass-laden suite, the former president was joined by Herschel Walker, Kid Rock, Hank Williams Jr. and more.
Protective barriers are a new feature of his public events, following the many near-assassinations on the former president’s life recently. He also had a huge Secret Service detail to accompany him and watch over the rowdy fans.
The pivotal showdown between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs is one of the most anticipated college games of the season, and regardless of the security implications, Trump didn’t want to miss it.
Former President Donald Trump watches during the first quarter of the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 28, 2024 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Former President Donald Trump throws food to fans behind barricades in the stadium
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Videos of him arriving at the arena show Trump throwing food at adoring fans chanting “Four more years!” sing.
Then the fans break into chants of “USA, USA, USA” as the former president poses for photos and exchanges handshakes.
The arena was a cauldron of football and MAGA passion as Trump made his appearance at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, which has a capacity of more than 100,000 fans.
Waving and donning his signature blue suit and red tie combo — red is a strategic color displayed on both teams’ uniforms — the former president then shuffled through his gated walkway to his ballistic glass box.
Trump was invited to the game by Alabama businessman Ric Mayers and was joined in the suite by Alabama Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville, ALGOP Chairman John Wahl and friends and family of Mayers.
The Secret Service set up catwalks for Trump to get in and out, while at times he was swamped by watching and cheering fans.
The ex-president’s secret service was close by, watching the crowd’s every move
Some speculated online that the glass was likely bulletproof due to the recent assassination attempts on Trump’s life
Alabama Crimson Tide fans cheer before the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 28, 2024 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Tuberville famously coached Alabama football for Auburn University, where he set a school record by defeating the University of Alabama six times in a row.
The Republicans sat facing down through the field goal posts and the box had no outside seating area.
And the roar from the crowd in support of the former president is consistent with his recent poll numbers.
Earlier this week, DailyMail.com revealed in a new poll that Trump had built a 10-point lead over Vice President Kamala Harris.
The model analyzes all the latest polling data, decades of election results and economic indicators to calculate who has the best chance of winning the Electoral College this November.
Kid Rock, Herschel Walker, Sens. Tuberville and Britt were all with Trump
Former President and current Republican nominee for President Donald J. Trump speaks with Republican Senator Katie Britt
Fans wait outside Bryant-Denny Stadium as security is increased for the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs on September 28, 2024 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
It gives the former president a 55.2 percent chance of victory. Harris is at 44.6 percent, with a very small chance of a draw.
It shows that Harris still has the best chance of winning in the popular vote (it now gives her 50.8 percent support and a 65 percent chance of ending up with more votes in November).
Harris, meanwhile, had a plan to thwart Trump’s enjoyment of Saturday’s game.
Harris campaign officials planned a small plane flyover over the stadium with a banner reading: “Trump’s Punting on 2nd Debate.”
Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., was also in attendance
The stunt isn’t the only way they’re trying to lure the former president, either.
The Harris campaign also aired a national TV ad on ESPN during the game.
Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, similarly attended a college football game on Saturday.
He attended the game between the University of Michigan and the University of Minnesota.