YOUNGSTOWN — About 13,000 people are destined to be disappointed if they aren’t lucky enough to snatch a seat today at the Covelli Centre, where President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak at a campaign-style stop at Covelli Centre.

More than 20,000 have applied to watch Trump deliver his 7 p.m. speech, according to Youngstown police, but the center can accommodate between 6,000 and 7,000.

Doors open at 4 p.m. but having a reservation for the event doesn’t guarantee a seat, said Mike McGiffin, downtown events and citywide special projects coordinator for Youngstown.

“Come early and be patient,” Youngstown police Lt. Brian Butler said.

Those who can’t get inside for a glimpse of the president can watch the speech in an overflow area outside the center.

Some supporters, like Judie Shortreed, plan to arrive early to secure their spots. Shortreed said she plans to arrive at 1:30 p.m., wearing red with 14 other women to “represent the ‘wall.'”

Others plan to protest the event.

At an event Monday for U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, Tom Smith of Girard said he plans on protesting at 5:30 p.m. today in a lot adjacent to the center. Demonstrators have been permitted to set up in Federal Square, Butler said.

The Mahoning County Democratic Party is hosting speeches from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the square, at Market Street and Federal Plaza East, about four or five blocks from the center, where the Mahoning County Young Democrats are hosting a Save Our Care rally at the same time.

Youngstown police are asking people who are not going to the event to avoid the east end of downtown. There will be road closures. Beginning at 4 p.m., the southbound lane on the South Avenue bridge will be closed. Northbound traffic will be permitted, Butler said.

And “other unannounced street restrictions and closings may occur,” a news release from the police department states.

There are a variety of options for parking. Parking behind the center will be limited and restricted once the presidential motorcade arrives, Butler said.

On-street parking — free after 5 p.m. — will function as usual, McGiffin said, asking attendees to follow all city parking ordinances. Private parking decks will be available, McGiffin said.

“Patience would really be appreciated. Anytime you get a large group of people together, tensions can flare up,” Butler said. “But there will be a large amount of police on hand and others will be available to help people get around.”

In addition to Youngstown police and the U.S. Secret Service, the city’s SWAT team, the Mahoning County Violent Crimes Task Force and the Youngstown State University Police Department will assist with security, Butler said.

“We’ve patrolled large event at Covelli before. We know the center and how to handle a crowd there,” Butler said.

rfox@tribtoday.com

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If you go…

• Doors open at 4 p.m. at the Covelli Centre, 229 E. Front St., Youngstown.

• Weather is forecasted as partly sunny with a high of 76.

• Police recommend an early arrival. Parking can be found in downtown parking decks, on the street and behind the center, which will be closed once the presidential motorcade arrives.

• The southbound lane on the South Avenue bridge will be closed and other unannounced closures should be expected.

• Remarks are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

• About 7,000 people will be permitted into the building.

• The center is providing a big-screen TV outside for overflow viewing of the president’s speech.