Hard MAGA Trump supporters eager for Sunday night’s rally at Madison Square Garden started camping outside the iconic venue on Saturday to ensure they’d snag a seat.
By early Sunday morning, over 100 supporters were lined up in folding chairs along 33rd Street and Sixth Avenue, some having arrived more than 24 hours in advance to secure their spots.
“We love Trump,” said Patty Vitala, who braved the cold to wait outside. “It’s cold, but it’s worth it. We want to make sure we get in.” Patty, 57, and her friends arrived at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday and even rented a hotel room nearby, although they planned to stay on the street overnight to hold their place in line.
“We’ll most likely be sitting out here for the night so we don’t lose our seats,” she explained.
Barbara, 54, a school district employee from Sussex, NJ, was the earliest arrival, securing her spot at 10 a.m. on Saturday.
“I never expected to be first in line,” Barbara told The New York Post. “I’ve never been to Madison Square Garden, and I thought this was going to be a magical event.” To pass the time, she played Words With Friends on her phone.
Another attendee, Scott Williams, 62, came from Staten Island with his girlfriend and arrived at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Despite never having visited Madison Square Garden or voted in an election, Williams was enthusiastic.
He planned to sleep outside, armed with sleeping bags, rather than paying hundreds for a hotel room. “A little bit of cold ain’t no problem,” he remarked.
Debbie Carrol, 69, traveled from Long Island to be part of the experience. For Debbie, Trump’s appearance in New York felt like a homecoming. “He’s home. This is home.
They should give him a good welcoming,” she said, noting that she didn’t plan on sleeping due to the adrenaline.
The Garden’s gates are set to open at noon, with the rally expected to begin at 5 p.m. Alongside Trump, a lineup of prominent figures is scheduled to speak, including Senator J.D. Vance, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Elon Musk, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Tucker Carlson, and musician Lee Greenwood.
For many of the supporters camping out, it’s not just a rally—it’s an experience and a chance to show support for a candidate they deeply believe in.
“We’re here because we believe in what he’s doing, and we want to be a part of it,” Patty said, summing up the sentiment.
As rallygoers prepared for the event, braving the October chill with layers and sleeping bags, their determination reflected the enthusiasm Trump continues.
Sunday’s rally promised to be an unforgettable occasion, and for some, their first experience at Madison Square Garden.