Trump and Vance to deliver keynote speeches as conservative movement honors fallen TPUSA founder
More than 100,000 mourners are expected to pack State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona this Sunday for an unprecedented memorial service honoring Charlie Kirk, the influential conservative activist who founded Turning Point USA. Former President Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance will headline the event, which organizers say could become one of the largest political memorial gatherings in American history.
The 31-year-old Kirk, who built Turning Point USA from a grassroots startup into a conservative powerhouse, was tragically killed on September 10 during a campus event at Utah Valley University. His sudden death sent shockwaves through the conservative movement, where he was widely regarded as one of the most effective voices in reaching young Americans with conservative messaging.
What Attendees Need to Know
With crowds of this magnitude expected, Turning Point USA has released comprehensive guidelines to help the memorial run smoothly while maintaining the dignity of the occasion.
Getting There: Plan Ahead for Traffic
While parking at State Farm Stadium will be free, spaces are expected to fill up quickly. Officials are urging attendees to carpool whenever possible or consider rideshare options. Given the expected turnout, traffic around the stadium could be heavy throughout the morning, so arriving early is strongly recommended.
Security Measures: Leave Bags at Home
In an unusual move for a stadium event, organizers have implemented a complete ban on bags – including the clear bags typically allowed at sporting events. Anyone arriving with a bag will need to return it to their vehicle before entering security lines. These enhanced security protocols mean longer wait times are likely, and TPUSA is asking attendees to plan accordingly and remain patient.
Dress Code: A Patriotic Tribute
The organization is requesting that mourners dress in their “Sunday Best” while incorporating patriotic colors – red, white, or blue. This isn’t just about formality; it’s meant as a visual tribute to Kirk’s passionate advocacy for American values and constitutional principles.
Arrival and Seating Logistics
Stadium doors open at 8:00 a.m. local time, and seating will be entirely first-come, first-served. For those who can’t get into the main venue, an overflow location has been set up at the nearby Desert Diamond Arena, where the service will be broadcast live on large screens.
Honoring Kirk’s Legacy
Instead of bringing flowers to the stadium, TPUSA is directing well-wishers to send floral arrangements to their Phoenix headquarters on East Beverly Road. The organization is also encouraging supporters to make donations to Turning Point USA in Kirk’s memory, ensuring his work continues to impact future generations of conservative activists.
The Man Behind the Movement
Charlie Kirk was just 18 years old when he founded Turning Point USA in 2012, transforming it from a small student organization into a nationwide force in conservative politics. His ability to connect with young voters through campus chapters, social media engagement, and high-energy events made him a unique figure in Republican circles.
Kirk became known for his rapid-fire debate style, his prolific social media presence, and his willingness to engage with hostile audiences on college campuses. Through TPUSA’s various initiatives, including Turning Point Action and the Student Action Summit, he helped identify and develop thousands of young conservative leaders across the country.
His influence extended well beyond campus politics. Kirk was a frequent guest on cable news, hosted a popular podcast, and authored several books on conservative philosophy and American values. He played a significant role in mobilizing young voters in recent election cycles and was considered one of the most effective grassroots organizers in the conservative movement.
A Movement in Mourning
The September 10 assassination at Utah Valley University stunned the political world. Kirk had been hosting one of TPUSA’s signature campus events when the attack occurred. The incident has prompted renewed discussions about political violence and the safety of public figures at speaking events.
In the days since his death, tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum. Conservative leaders have praised Kirk’s dedication to the movement, while even some political opponents have condemned the violence and acknowledged his impact on American political discourse.
What to Expect Sunday
Sunday’s memorial service is expected to be both a celebration of Kirk’s life and a rallying cry for the conservative movement he helped shape. With Trump and Vance delivering keynote addresses, the event will likely draw significant media attention and could serve as a defining moment for the future direction of conservative activism in America.
The presence of such high-profile speakers, combined with the massive expected turnout, underscores Kirk’s significance to the modern conservative movement. Many see this gathering not just as a farewell to a fallen leader, but as a demonstration of the movement’s strength and unity in the face of tragedy.
For those unable to attend in person, TPUSA has announced that the service will be livestreamed on multiple platforms, allowing supporters nationwide to participate in honoring Kirk’s memory.
As Arizona prepares for this historic gathering, the focus remains on celebrating a young leader who, regardless of one’s political views, undeniably left his mark on American politics. Sunday’s memorial will serve as both a goodbye to Charlie Kirk and perhaps a new beginning for the movement he spent his life building.
