University of Alabama confirms: Donald Trump to attend Alabama-Georgia football game
In a statement Thursday, a University of Alabama spokesman confirmed that the university has been “notified” that former president Donald Trump plans to attend the Alabama-Georgia game Sept. 28.
A Washington-based person with knowledge of Trump’s campaign schedule informed the Tuscaloosa News Monday of the decision. Trump, who held the office from 2017-21, is currently the Republican nominee for president. “We have been notified that the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump, plans to attend the Alabama-Georgia football game on Sept. 28 after receiving an invitation from a private citizen,” the statement reads. “The safety of our campus is and will remain our top priority, and UAPD will work closely with the U.S. Secret Service and other law enforcement partners to coordinate security.
“Like for every UA football game, walk-through metal detectors will be in place and the clear bag policy will be strictly enforced. Additional safety measures will be enacted in collaboration with local and federal agencies, so fans are encouraged to arrive early to expedite the security screening process. The University’s focus will continue to be ensuring a safe and positive gameday experience for the student-athletes, fans of both teams, and all campus visitors.” Trump attended two Alabama games as sitting president: the Jan. 8, 2018, meeting between Alabama and Georgia in Atlanta, where the Crimson Tide beat the Bulldogs for its 17th national championship, and a Nov. 9, 2019, meeting at Bryant-Denny Stadium between LSU and Alabama.
Trump’s 2019 visit was the first time a sitting president has attended a University of Alabama home football game. The only other president to attend an Alabama football game was John F. Kennedy, who attended the Jan. 1, 1963, Orange Bowl matchup between UA and Oklahoma in Miami.
