In a scene reminiscent of a blockbuster movie premiere, or release of the latest tech gadget, supporters of Donald Trump began camping outside Orlando’s Amway Center early Monday morning for the president’s re-election rally scheduled at 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Entry to the 20,000 capacity arena is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Registering online won’t necessarily guarantee admission and Trump tweeted late Monday that thousands already were lined up, adding “Large screens and food trucks will be there for those that can’t get into the 25,000 capacity arena.”

In a tweet earlier on Monday, Trump said more than 100,000 tickets had been requested online.

Trump’s last visit to Orlando was in 2018 to speak at the International Association of Chiefs of Police at a convention center in Orange County. During the 2016 presidential election, Trump’s early strength in Florida signaled he was likely headed for an upset victory in the state. While Republicans did not fare so well during the 2018 midterm elections, Florida remains a hot spot for the GOP.

The state’s importance to both Trump and his Democratic challengers is evident by the president choosing Orlando for his kickoff rally, and Democrats selecting Miami as the venue for their first televised debates.

The Orlando Sentinel on Tuesday published an editorial announcing it would not endorse Trump for re-election.

“After 2 1/2 years we’ve seen enough,” the newspaper stated.

A Trump campaign spokesman also said Tuesday the campaign had set up an “outdoor festival area” featuring live music and a tailgate atmosphere.

Demonstrators are expected and may include undocumented immigrants who previously worked at Trump resorts.

Doors open at the arena at 4 p.m. and the rally begins at 8 p.m.

PBS Newshour will live-stream the rally from 8 p.m ET. Local station KSAZ's stream begins two hours earlier at 6 p.m. ET. A live stream also is available at floridatoday.com.

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