WDBJ7 Roanoke News and Weather NRV Lynchburg Danville | Updated: Veep candidate Sarah Palin gets thunderous welcome from fans in Salem

Updated: Veep candidate Sarah Palin gets thunderous welcome from fans in Salem

Updated 12:16 a.m.

If you've ever been to a Salem football game, you know Salem Stadium usually attracts a large crowd. But the amount of people who filled the stadium Monday to see Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin was impressive; some put the estimates at 16,000 people.

The largest crowd at Salem Stadium so far was back on May 3, 2003 when more than 15,000 showed up for a Franklin Graham Festival.

When Governor Palin took the stage, she quickly got down to business, touching on a number of popular Republican themes like lower taxes and smaller government.
 
But an even bigger message was Joe the plumber.

"If you don't like the way our opponents have treated a guy who just asked a simple question, then you all are Joe the Plumber too, and we are all in this together Virginia," said Palin.

Palin attacked Obama a number of times, claiming the Democratic nominee will raise taxes.

"Our opponent is not being candid with you about his tax plan, and it is not mean-spirited, and it is not negative campaigning to call someone out on their plans, their record and their association," said Palin.

With a large USA sign made out of people as her backdrop, Palin spoke for about a half hour.  When she left the stage, she was mobbed by fans.

"She's down to earth and in touch with the little people, which I am one of," says Mark Thomas.

"She's straight forward, she has experience, and she stands for things that I believe," says Patty Saul.

Many there also believe the polls are wrong.  They say the only poll that matters is the one next Tuesday.

UPDATED: 9:30 p.m. 

SALEM, Va. (AP) -- Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin has finished up a three-city tour in Virginia with an appearance in Salem.

The Alaska governor told about 12,000 people at a chilly outdoor rally Monday night that she loved the weather because it reminded her of home.

The rally had been scheduled for the 8,500-seat Salem Civic Center, but was moved to a nearby football stadium, which could accommodate more than 20,000.

Palin, who was accompanied by her husband, Todd, appeared at rallies earlier Monday in Leesburg and Fredericksburg.

UPDATED: 7:40 p.m.

Sarah Palin has concluded her remarks.  She and her husband, Todd, are moving through the crowd at Salem Stadium. 

UPDATED: 7:10 p.m.

Sarah Palin is introduced by a mechanic from Blacksburg.

UPDATED: 7:05 p.m.

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin has arrived at Salem Stadium.

UPDATED: 3:36 p.m.

Thousands are already in Salem Stadium for Sarah Palin's rally.  We're told one grandstand is already full.  Doors will stay open until the stadium is full. 

WDBJ7.COM will live stream the event as soon as Palin enters the stadium.  Click here for a view from our WeatherBug camera at Salem Stadium.

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The City of Salem says the response to the Republican Vice Presidential Candidate's visit has been overwhelming and the rally will be moved outdoors to Salem Stadium.

The event will still start at 5:30 p.m. Doors will stay open until the stadium is full. 

The McCain campaign says shuttle buses will run from the Roanoke-Salem Business Center at Peters Creek & Melrose to Salem Stadium beginning at 10:00 a.m. Monday.

If you already have a ticket, you do not need to get a new one. If you would like to get tickets, you can get them at any McCain Victory Center or online at  http://virginia.johnmccain.com/Virginia.htm.

The event was supposed to be at the Salem Civic Center. The Civic Center seats about 6,800 people. The capacity of Salem Stadium exceeds 15,000.