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Information about Presidential Visit

Update posted on Oct. 1 at 3:45 p.m.:

With an influx of visitors expected this weekend for the Presidential visit and Homecoming, the University of South Alabama is modifying its parking enforcement to support campus travel and help the University community plan ahead.

Faculty, staff and student zoned parking will not be enforced after noon on Friday. Vehicles parked in handicapped zones, impeding traffic or in areas otherwise not designated for general parking risk being towed and ticketed.

Most University offices and buildings will close Friday at noon, and JagTran shuttle service also will end operations at that time.

Game Day parking enforcement also has been modified to give students additional time to move their vehicles. All vehicles in lots 101, 102, 103, 105, 203, 204, 205, 206, 307, 310 and 311 must be moved by Saturday at 6 a.m. or they will be towed. This change gives students an additional 11 hours to move their vehicles from those lots.

Starting this evening, the United States Secret Service will begin closing roads surrounding the Mitchell Center. This includes portions of Old Shell Road, USA South Drive, Student Services Drive and Mitchell Center Drive. Lot 401 at the Mitchell Center will be closed today at 9:30 p.m., and any vehicles in that lot or along Mitchell Center Drive will be towed.

See the published map below for additional timing issued by the United States Secret Service. Note that these times could fluctuate, and additional roads will be temporarily closed as the President arrives and leaves the Mitchell Center.

Individuals who are not attending the Mitchell Center event are encouraged to avoid the immediate area when possible. Anticipate road restrictions along with increased traffic and pedestrian activity.

Road Closure Map

Update posted on Oct. 1 at 8:30 a.m.:

With Saturday’s weather forecast worsening, a decision has been made to move the Homecoming pep rally to Friday, Nov. 13, the weekend of South's intrastate rivalry with the Troy Trojans. This change will allow us to deliver the complete pep rally experience, including the bonfire and fireworks, as we get ready for the “Battle of the Belt.”

Kickoff for the Jags vs. Louisiana-Monroe game this Saturday remains set for 6 p.m. Homecoming Week already is off to a big start after Monday's Junk the Jungle, and events are being held throughout the week. 

The pep rally had been rescheduled from Friday to Saturday, but the potential for heavy rain and thunderstorms prompted the change to November.

Update posted on Sept. 30 at 2:40 p.m.:

On Friday, Oct. 2., The Fresh Food Company, Miss Pawla's Grill, and JagMart will be open normal hours, all other dining locations will close at noon. 

Update posted on Sept. 29 at 7:45 p.m.:

The Homecoming pep rally will be moved from Friday, Oct. 2, to Saturday, Oct. 3, and will be held from 2 p.m.-3 p.m. at the SGA Pavilion south of Hancock Whitney Stadium.

Update posted on Sept. 29 at 6 p.m.:

The Glass Pumpkin Patch Festival, featuring glass-blown works from students and faculty, will open 30 minutes early, at 7:30 a.m., and close at 11:30 a.m. It will be held Friday, Oct. 2, at the Marx Library.  

Update posted on Sept. 29 at 2 p.m.:

The Family Weekend Reception has been moved from the MacQueen Alumni Center to the Country Club of Mobile, 4101 Wimbledon Drive West. The event will take place Friday, Oct. 2; Doors open at 4 p.m., program runs from 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

Originally published Sept. 29 at 8:30 a.m.; updated continuously

The Republican National Committee reserved the USA Mitchell Center for a Friday 6 p.m. event featuring President Donald J. Trump. Below are some early questions and answers:

How will President Trump’s visit impact Homecoming activities?

Homecoming is a weeklong series of events culminating in the Jags taking on Louisiana-Monroe at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Nearly all the events will proceed uninterrupted by Friday’s event at the Mitchell Center, including the Saturday game. With storms anticipated Friday, a pep rally planned that evening at the Intramural Fields will be moved to November. 

Will the University still have the Family Weekend Welcome reception on Friday?

Yes. The Family Weekend Reception has been moved from the MacQueen Alumni Center to the Country Club of Mobile, 4101 Wimbledon Drive West. The event will take place Friday, Oct. 2; Doors open at 4 p.m., program runs from 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

What about Thursday night’s Wall of Honor Ceremony? 

The University has decided that, because of anticipated inclement weather, the outdoor Wall of Honor Ceremony will be moved to Friday, Nov. 13, the weekend of the Jags vs. Troy game.

Will classes or academic services be affected?

In-person classes starting at noon or later on Friday will not be held. Beginning late Thursday night, buildings within the perimeter of Student Services Drive, USA South Drive, Mitchell Center Drive and Old Shell Road will be closed. The Mitchell Center, the Health, Kinesiology and Sport building and the Academic Services Center will be closed all Friday. Academic leaders will notify affected faculty and students directly regarding specific plans for Friday morning classes. 

What about employees? 

University offices will close at noon on Friday. Certain employees will be designated as essential personnel during this closing. Questions about your work schedule should be directed to your supervisor. Hourly employees who are released at noon will receive paid administrative leave to cover their remaining scheduled hours. 

Will roads be closed? 

Beginning Thursday evening after the Jags volleyball game, the United States Secret Service will begin closing down roads surrounding the Mitchell Center. This includes portions of USA South Drive, all of Student Services Drive and all of Mitchell Center Drive. On Friday, it is possible that portions of Old Shell Road will be closed in both directions. This is at the complete discretion of the Secret Service. 

Individuals who are not attending the Mitchell Center event are encouraged to avoid the immediate area when possible. Anticipate increased traffic, possible road restrictions and increased pedestrian activity. 

Is the visit by President Donald Trump a University-sponsored event? 

No. The USA Mitchell Center is available for public rental and was reserved by the Republican National Committee. The Mitchell Center over the years has held numerous events, including for public speaking engagements, concerts and faith-based groups. 

Will there be protests? 

Members of the University community and the public may participate in protected expressive activity on University property in accordance with University policy and applicable law. Threats, violence, property damage, or other unlawful conduct will be handled in accordance with University policy and applicable laws. Ensuring a safe, respectful and welcoming environment for all remains the University’s highest priority.

How do I get tickets to see President Trump?

This is not a University event, and the University is not managing entry. The University has no oversight of the organizer's entry procedures or seating allocation.

Will the University issue more information? Could some of this change? 

It’s possible the University will have to adjust as more information becomes available. Updates and changes will be posted to this webpage.