Dallas businesses and residents near the American Airlines Center are preparing for significant disruption as the city prepares to host the Republican National Committee Midterm Convention next week, an event expected to bring thousands of visitors, road closures, and heightened security to the Victory Park district.

The two-day convention, scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, will bring Republican leaders, activists, and delegates to Dallas for rallies, meetings, and other events. President Donald Trump is expected to hold a rally on Wednesday with Vice President JD Vance. Security for the gathering is expected to cost nearly $2 million.

Road closures are expected to affect parts of the area from September 7 through September 11, with Victory Avenue, Nowitzki Way, and Houston Street facing the most significant restrictions. Victory Park Avenue is expected to remain open, though surrounding streets will be heavily impacted.

For some businesses, the closures create immediate concerns about customer access. Alexis Jacobs, manager of VIV Wellness Center, said the business is worried about how the closures could affect appointments. ‘It’s a difficult area to be in, and it’s really disappointing that we may have to move an entire week of our patients to another time, because they may not be able to make it inside the clinic,’ Jacobs said.

Victory Park residents Ivone and Jalen Penn said they are accustomed to road closures and large events due to the neighborhood’s proximity to the American Airlines Center, but the political nature of the convention makes this event different. ‘Sports and things being charged behind sports is different when it comes to politics,’ Ivone Penn said. ‘Politics get people riled up in a completely different way.’

Convention vendors and supporters are already arriving in Dallas. The event is expected to draw visitors to Victory Park beginning several days before the official start, adding to concerns about traffic and access for businesses and residents in one of Dallas’ busiest entertainment districts.

The convention represents both a challenge and an opportunity for local businesses. While road closures may deter regular customers, the influx of delegates, media, and supporters could boost revenue for restaurants, hotels, and retail establishments in the broader downtown area.

Sources: CBS News Texas