USU Security Measures for Sept. 30 TPUSA Student Club Event

Editor’s Note: This story will be updated with new information as it becomes available. Most recently updated on Sept. 26, 2025

Utah State University will serve as a venue for an event on September 30, 2025, externally organized by a registered student club and Turning Point USA. This event will take place at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. As advertised by Turning Point USA, doors open at 5 p.m. and the event begins at 6:30 p.m. tudents will be provided priority entry. For more information about the event and speakers, refer to the event organizers.

USU is not affiliated with the speakers or the event. As with all third-party events, USU does not endorse the viewpoints or perspectives presented by speakers. Rather, USU’s role is limited to facilitating a safe and secure venue where students’ and speakers’ free expression can occur.

Ticketing/RSVPs

As an external event, the university is not facilitating ticketing. Anyone interested in attending should register their interest via the Turning Point website. The organization has said attendance is on a first come first served basis. The event has a capacity of 5,500 seats.

Security Rules for Event Participants

This event will utilize similar rules to those used at USU Athletic events to help protect the safety of participants and speakers. Everyone will be required to go through a metal detector.

Everyone going into the event will pass through magnetometers. Individuals who bring a firearm must follow Utah law for firearms on campuses and possess a Utah conceal-carry permit.
Backpacks and bags larger than 6.5 by 4.5 inches will not be allowed. Small purse clutches no larger than 6.5 inches by 4.5 inches will be searched.
No outside signs allowed.
No re-entry.

Visitor Parking

Free parking is available in the yellow terraced lots and the Maverik Stadium lot. More information about visitor parking is available at usu.edu/parking/visitors.

Information for Media

USU is not handling press passes for this event. However, members of the media will need a press pass to enter with their equipment, including cameras and laptops. Media must reach out to Turning Point USA to get a press pass and work with Turning Point staff on logistical details.

Press may park for free in the lot north of the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. Media vehicles should be clearly marked with the media outlet name.

General Security and Safety

USU is actively preparing for this event to occur on campus. When they originally became aware of the event, USU’s Department of Public Safety began working with local, state and federal partners to ensure appropriate security measures would be in place in time. Given the heightened concerns, USU’s department of public safety is continuing to collaborate with these partners to ensure appropriate safety measures and protocols are in place.

Even for events without heightened safety concerns, USU’s Department of Public Safety has robust security plans for events on USU’s campus that meet industry standards and best practices. These measures include comprehensive threat assessments, detailed security planning, deployment of diverse safety resources, effective crowd management, close protection for the speaker, clear communication and coordination, and readiness for crisis response. USU Public Safety employs rigorous protocols for major events year-round, including athletics, commencement, and high-profile speakers. These protocols are data-driven, scenario-based, and multi-tiered. The university also tests its emergency systems, such as Aggie Alert notifications and lockdown procedures, on a regular basis.

USU’s Role at the Event

As a public land-grant institution, Utah State University upholds a strong commitment to free expression and institutional neutrality. The university frequently provides a neutral space for recognized student organizations to invite outside speakers, regardless of viewpoint. More information is available at usu.edu/freespeech.