Several thousand mourners and supporters of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk gathered outside State Farm Stadium in Phoenix, Arizona, as early as 12 hours before doors opened for his memorial service on Sunday.
The service, scheduled for 11 a.m. local time (2 p.m. Eastern), is expected to draw at least 100,000 attendees, including President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other senior administration officials.
State Farm Stadium, which seats 63,400 and can host up to 73,000 for “mega-events,” has been supplemented with nearby Desert Diamond Arena designated as an overflow site. Additional crowds are expected to fill parking lots and other designated areas.
Journalist Nick Sortor reported that by 14 hours before doors opened, lines outside the venue stretched at least a mile, with attendees saying they had traveled from across the country to honor Kirk and support his family.
“INCREDIBLE! It’s just 4am here in Arizona, and the line for Charlie Kirk’s memorial is now a SEA of TENS OF THOUSANDS of patriots,” Sortor posted on X alongside a video showing supporters packed in a full 12 hours before doors were set to open. “This is HISTORIC! America is turning out for Charlie,” he wrote on the X platform.
PLAY:
? INCREDIBLE! It’s just 4am here in Arizona, and the line for Charlie Kirk’s memorial is now a SEA of TENS OF THOUSANDS of patriots
This is HISTORIC!
America is turning out for Charlie! ???? pic.twitter.com/NnFphusR1Z
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) September 21, 2025
Turning Point USA has encouraged attendees to dress in red, white and blue for Kirk’s memorial service. “Charlie’s life was short, but it was full. It was defined by truth, anchored in faith, and devoted to the country he loved,” the organization’s tribute to its founder reads. “His legacy will endure for generations.”
