On Sunday, September 21, 2025, a public memorial service and funeral for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, will take place at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Kirk, a close ally of President Donald Trump, was tragically assassinated on September 10, 2025, during a TPUSA event at Utah Valley University. Authorities expect nearly 100,000 people to attend the event, which will feature heightened security measures comparable to those used for a Super Bowl.
Event Details and Security
The memorial will be held at State Farm Stadium, home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, which has a capacity of 63,000, expandable to over 73,000 for major events. The nearby Desert Diamond Arena will serve as an overflow venue, accommodating an additional 19,000 attendees. Admission is free and operates on a first-come, first-served basis, though attendees are encouraged to register for tickets. The service will be streamed on Kirk’s Rumble account and broadcast by select news outlets, including FOX News Media, which will provide extensive coverage.
Turning Point USA has implemented strict guidelines for attendees, including a no-bag policy and a patriotic dress code of red, white, or blue “Sunday Best” attire. Bags, even clear ones typically allowed at the stadium, will not be permitted, and attendees with bags will be required to return them to their vehicles and rejoin the entry line. Parking is free but limited, so carpooling is recommended. TPUSA has also requested that attendees refrain from bringing flowers or other items to the stadium, instead directing such tributes to their Phoenix headquarters or encouraging donations to the organization.
Due to the large expected crowd and the high-profile nature of the event, security will be significantly enhanced, with steel fences and other measures in place. TPUSA has asked for patience, as wait times may be long due to these precautions.
Notable Speakers
The memorial will feature speeches from prominent figures in the Trump administration, including:
-
President Donald Trump
-
Vice President JD Vance
-
Secretary of State Marco Rubio
-
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth
-
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard
-
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles
-
Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller
-
Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s widow
President Trump, speaking at the American Cornerstone Institute Founder’s Dinner on Saturday, described Kirk as “a great man” who was central to his political movement. He highlighted Kirk’s influence on young conservatives, noting, “He had an army of young people. They loved him so much. They’re devastated right now. Everybody is devastated.” Trump recalled Kirk’s relentless energy, sharing how Kirk would often urge him to make last-minute appearances, saying, “He’d say, ‘President, could you come tomorrow and make a speech?’ … Usually I tried to do it too. He was unbelievable.”
Background on Charlie Kirk’s Legacy
Charlie Kirk, who founded Turning Point USA in 2012, was a prominent voice in conservative activism, particularly among young people. His organization focused on promoting conservative values on college campuses and mobilizing young voters. Kirk’s assassination at Utah Valley University, where he was hosting a TPUSA event, shocked the nation. The suspected shooter, Tyler Robinson, faces charges including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury.
In response to Kirk’s death, Utah Valley University held a “Vigil for Unity” on September 19 to honor his memory. The memorial service in Arizona is expected to be a significant moment of reflection for Kirk’s supporters, who view him as a transformative figure in the conservative movement.
How to Watch
For those unable to attend in person, the memorial service will be accessible via live stream on Charlie Kirk’s Rumble account. FOX News Media will also provide multiplatform coverage, ensuring broad access to the event. Doors to the stadium open at 8 a.m. local time, and attendees are advised to arrive early due to limited seating and rigorous security checks.
This memorial service not only honors Charlie Kirk’s life and legacy but also underscores the deep impact he had on his supporters and the conservative movement at large.