pexels-photo-6841292.jpeg
Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

Overview:

Who Charlie Kirk was and why this gathering took place
Key speakers
Special notes for attendees

Sunday, September 21, 2025, a public memorial service titled “Building a Legacy: Remembering Charlie Kirk” was held in Glendale, Arizona, to honor the life of Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, who was fatally shot on September 10.

When & Where

The service began at 11:00 a.m. Arizona time (2:00 p.m. ET), with doors opening at 8:00 a.m. The venue was State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. There was anoverflow site is available at Desert Diamond Arena nearby.

Attendance & Capacity

State Farm Stadium seats around 63,000–70,000 depending on event setup, while Desert Diamond Arena adds nearly 20,000 more. Combined, the in-person attendance was close to 100,000 people, making it one of the largest memorial gatherings in recent history.

Estimated Online Viewership

In addition to the massive in-person turnout, millions of viewers also watched online via livestreams and network broadcasts. With high-profile speakers, national news coverage, and multiple free streaming options, the digital audience surpassed several million.

Key Speakers

Speakers:

  • Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s widow
  • President Donald Trump
  • Vice President J.D. Vance
  • Donald Trump Jr., Tucker Carlson, Tulsi Gabbard, Marco Rubio, and other political and media figures

Special Notes for Attendees

Guests were asked to wear red, white, or blue. The service has a SEAR Level 1 security designation, bringing federal involvement in security operations. A strict no-bag policy enforced.


Conclusion

Charlie Kirk’s memorial service drew one of the largest combined in-person and online audiences of any public funeral in recent memory. With nearly 100,000 in attendance and millions more tuning in from around the world, the event underscores the national attention surrounding his life and legacy.


Sources


You may want to read: