Preparations have been underway at Erie International Airport since the official word Friday that President Donald Trump is returning to Erie in a final push toward Election Day.

First Lady Melania Trump will also be accompanying the President to Erie on Tuesday. It will mark her first public appearance since recovering from COVID-19.  

Anyone driving near Erie International can see the preparations underway for the presidential visit.

Early Monday afternoon, a massive U.S. Air Force C-17 transport plane landed and could be seen unloading all the support and security vehicles and equipment needed for a visit by the President of the United States.

Bleachers decked out in red, white and blue are set up outside the North Coast Air hangar where President Donald Trump is expected to speak at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Area police and law enforcement who will partner with the U.S. Secret Service to make this a safe and orderly event have been on site, getting their marching orders. That includes state, Millcreek, Erie and airport police - plus U.S. Border Patrol.

ROAD CLOSURES: Roads around the airport will be closed Tuesday from 3-10 p.m. That includes W. 12th Street from Asbury Road to Grace Street and Asbury Road from W. 23rd to W. 12th streets. 

AIRPORT CUSTOMERS AND FLIGHTS: Erie International Airport will remain open through the duration of the event. Parking is permitted at the terminal for customers using the facility. Travelers should use the Grace Street entrance to access the airport terminal. 

PARKING: There will be no event parking at Erie International Airport. Waldameer Park & Water World will provide three parking areas, starting with the main lot on Peninsula Drive. Once that fills up, traffic will be directed to the Rainbow Gardens lot and other spaces at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center. Shuttle buses will transport people to and from parking areas to Erie International Airport. 

TIMES: Parking will be permitted at Waldameer beginning at 11 a.m. Gates to the event open at 4 p.m. President Trump is expected to speak at 7 p.m. 

SECURITY: Trump supporters who signed up for two tickets will be bused to the airport where lines will form to go through what amounts to airport security screening. Attendees will get temperature checks and will be provided masks. 

TICKETS: Two tickets per cell phone number can be reserved on a first-come first-served basis via the Trump campaign website. According to the website, confirmation text will be sent to your phone. Attendees are asked to follow the instructions to confirm their ticket(s). Registration is not complete until verified by phone.

WEATHER: Weather conditions during the event are expected to be mostly cloudy with temperatures in the mid 50s.