Dallas Prepares for Major Security Operation as GOP Convention Arrives

DALLAS, Texas (TXAN 24) — If you’re heading into downtown Dallas this week, you may want to give yourself some extra time.

Dallas is preparing for one of the largest political events the city has hosted this year as the Republican Party’s first-ever midterm convention comes to the American Airlines Center on Sept. 9 and 10.

And for people who live, work or simply travel through the area, the biggest story may not be what’s happening inside the arena. It’s what’s happening outside.

Security preparations are already underway around the American Airlines Center and Victory Park, with road closures, checkpoints and traffic restrictions expected to affect the area. The city says security measures began Monday and are expected to remain in place through Friday.

Houston Street, Victory Avenue and Nowitzki Way are among the roads expected to be affected.

DART’s Victory Station will also be closed during part of the convention.

The event is expected to bring roughly 20,000 people to Dallas, including President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.

For Dallas businesses, that could mean two very different things.

Restaurants, hotels and other businesses outside the immediate security perimeter could see an influx of customers, while businesses closest to the arena may have to deal with restricted access, road closures and customers changing their plans.

For everyday Dallas residents, the advice is simple: know before you go.

If you don’t have business around Victory Park or the American Airlines Center this week, finding another route may save you a headache.

Because in Dallas, when 20,000 people show up for one event, the traffic usually becomes a story of its own.