The arrival of President Trump’s motorcade caused a mild stir at the college football national championship game in Atlanta.
Some fans standing outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium in miserable rainy conditions were heard booing as the presidential entourage entered the gates — which temporarily halted fans’ entry.
There were also some cheers coming from the rain-soaked assembly.
The wait took over an hour, according to a CNN reporter attending the game between Alabama and Georgia, and prevented many ticket holders from finding their seats just 30 minutes or less before kickoff.
It’s possible fans had trouble driving to the stadium after Trump’s arrival at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, Ga., led to the brief closure of one Atlanta highway.
One group planned its public protest ahead of time. The Metro Atlanta Chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America projected “F–k Trump” and “No one is illegal” underneath the “Mercedes-Benz Stadium” sign plastered on the outside stadium wall.
30 minutes until kickoff and the crowd looks like a Hawks-Nets game at Phillips Arena. pic.twitter.com/d754Eywq5N
— Cecil Hurt (@CecilHurt) January 9, 2018
Trump later walked onto the field for the playing of the national anthem.
Tens of thousands of fans greeted Trump with a mixed reaction as ROTC members escorted him onto the field for the anthem. Trump sang a few words as he stood with his hand over his heart and an American flag pin on his lapel.
Trump has criticized professional football players who kneel during the anthem to protest racial injustice, as well as the NFL itself for allowing it.
A member of Alabama’s team voiced his opinion of the president before the game, screaming “F–k Trump” while walking through the tunnel onto the field.
The president was expected to view much of the game from a skybox overlooking the field. The Tuscaloosa News reported he was scheduled to appear on the Alabama radio broadcast during the game.
With Associated Press
