State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, reached capacity Sunday as crowds gathered for Charlie Kirk’s memorial.
Authorities said more than 200,000 people registered for the service, forcing overflow accommodations nearby.
Massive Crowd
The stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals, seats about 73,000 people.
Doors opened at 8 a.m., and it was filled within hours.
Additional attendees were directed to Desert Diamond Arena next door.
Officials estimated turnout matched the 200,000 registration figure.
Supporters arrived as early as 4 a.m. to secure entry.
Some walked two miles from parking lots to reach the venue.
Police said about a dozen attendees needed medical aid for heat-related issues.
Leaders in Attendance
The service featured remarks from President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, was also scheduled to speak.
Rep. Lauren Boebert, Rep. Andy Biggs, and Sen. Rick Scott were spotted.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth was seen preparing to address the crowd.
Elon Musk, now head of the Department of Government Efficiency, was present.
Every seat in this giant arena that isn’t roped off for security is packed to the ceiling. Honored to be here.
All for Charlie Kirk. pic.twitter.com/NDK6sDuqLa
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 21, 2025
Conservative commentators Matt Walsh and Dan Bongino also attended.
Elected officials from across the nation streamed into the stadium.
Supporters’ Devotion
Fans wore red, white, and blue “Sunday best” as requested by Turning Point USA.
Greg Waters, 71, said he listened to Kirk’s podcast daily.
“He’s like a son to me,” Waters told reporters.
He said Kirk’s spiritual impact demanded a bigger venue.
Betty Santasiero, 56, wore a shirt reading “I am Charlie Kirk.”
She said it was important to keep dialogue open across political lines.
Supporters described Kirk as a spiritual leader and cultural force.
Protests Outside
Protesters gathered in designated “free speech zones” outside the stadium.
The Westboro Baptist Church carried signs claiming “God sent the shooter.”
Other demonstrators held vulgar anti-Kirk messages.
One woman brandished a sign reading “Rot in Hell.”
Asked why she attended, she said she “hated” Kirk.
She called him “an a–hole” and refused to give her name.
Police maintained barriers to separate protesters from mourners.
Overflow and Security
Organizers prepared for more than stadium capacity by reserving nearby arenas.
Desert Diamond Arena, with 20,000 seats, housed additional mourners.
Security was at levels normally reserved for major sports events.
Scene here in Glendale, Arizona this morning ahead of today’s Charlie Kirk memorial pic.twitter.com/8vLC4FrRHx
— Brendan Gutenschwager (@BGOnTheScene) September 21, 2025
Attendees passed through metal detectors and bag checks.
Heat and crowds challenged both attendees and law enforcement.
Despite tensions outside, the memorial went forward as planned.
