The stage is set for Donald Trump rally

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — 1:20 p.m.  The rally is currently underway.  You can watch it live right here!

9:00 a.m. The stage is set… literally… for Donald Trump’s visit to Wilmington.

The Republican presidential nominee will speak at UNCW Trask Coliseum. The rally, hosted by UNCW’s College Republicans, is scheduled to start at 2 p.m.

While doors don’t open until 11 a.m., people were lined up well in advance. At the head of the line was John Weber, who said he arrived at 11 p.m. Monday. Weber posted on Twitter that he hoped his wait would earn him a picture with Trump.

#TwelveHoursForTrump My name is John and I am camping outside UNCW for 12 hours to hopefully get a picture with @realDonaldTrump🇺🇸

— John Weber (@johnweber2014) August 8, 2016

John Weber, left, arrived 12 hours before doors were scheduled to open for Donald Trump’s Aug. 9, 2016, rally at UNCW. Others in line said they got there as early as 5:30 a.m. (Photo: Kevin Wuzzardo/WWAY)

Folks in line behind him said they arrived as early as 5:30 a.m. Online ticketing for the rally closed yesterday afternoon after less than 24 hours.

Not everyone is excited about Trump’s visit to the Port City. Some groups took to social media shortly after news of Trump’s visit broke Friday evening to organize protests outside the event.

WWAY will have team coverage of Trump’s visit to Wilmington. Check back for updates to this story as well as more stories and live streaming coverage of the rally on WWAYTV3.com, and tune in tonight for full coverage on WWAY NEWS at 5 and 6.