Former President Donald Trump, originally scheduled to attend the highly anticipated Penn State vs. Ohio State football game, has instead opted for a campaign rally in Virginia.

The change in plans was confirmed as Trump’s campaign announced his appearance in Virginia at 4 p.m. on Saturday, during which the Penn State game is set to begin at noon ET, Fox News reported.

Trump Opts Out of High-Profile Game Appearance

A university spokesperson confirmed Trump’s decision to skip the Penn State game to the student news outlet Onward State, signaling a shift from his recent trend of appearing at major sporting events. Trump’s presence at notable games this election season, including the University of Alabama's showdown with Georgia and the Pittsburgh Steelers’ win over the New York Jets, has kept him in the public eye as he campaigns for a return to the White House.

As Trump pivots from football game attendance to political rallies, his campaign is strategically maintaining visibility across varied arenas. The rally in Virginia will give Trump another platform to reach voters in a state he has actively courted in past election cycles, underlining the intensity of his ongoing campaign efforts.

Trump’s sports appearances have attracted supporters and media attention alike. The recent Steelers game, for example, drew excitement from his base, with former Steelers players Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell even showing up at a rally held the day before the game.

Competitive Landscape in the 2024 Election Campaign

The shift from a high-energy football event to a focused campaign rally highlights Trump’s commitment to staying engaged with his supporters as the election tightens. According to a national survey by Fox News on October 16, Trump currently holds a slight 2-point lead over his opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris.

This narrow margin reflects the competitiveness of the race, with Harris, on the other hand, leading by 6 points in seven key battleground states. However, this lead remains within the margin of error, suggesting a close contest as both campaigns push for every possible vote.

The split between national support and battleground state metrics has characterized this election cycle. While Trump holds a firm grip on counties he won by double digits in 2020 (64%-35%), Harris similarly secures her base in areas won by President Joe Biden with a lead of 58%-39%.

Focus Shifts to Voter-Rich States

The upcoming rally in Virginia underscores the strategic focus on high-stakes states. Both campaigns have identified a combination of six toss-up states with a total of 82 electoral votes as essential to securing the necessary 270 votes to win the election.

Analysts view the current landscape as a "toss-up," with both Trump and Harris needing these critical states to tilt the scales in their favor. Each campaign is meticulously crafting strategies to resonate with voters in these areas, knowing the importance of each electoral vote on the path to the White House.

In close counties, where the 2020 election margin was less than 10 points, Trump and Harris are currently tied, with each garnering 49% support. This tie signals a competitive race, especially as both campaigns intensify outreach in voter-dense areas.

Trump’s Sporting Event Appearances Draw Media Attention

Trump’s appearances at popular sporting events have become a notable part of his 2024 campaign strategy, helping to mobilize supporters and boost visibility. His attendance at Alabama’s football game and the Steelers-Jets matchup has brought media attention to his campaign while energizing his base.

These appearances have not only highlighted Trump’s appeal to sports fans but also underscored his strategy to stay visible in diverse settings. The decision to forgo the Penn State-Ohio State game in favor of a focused rally indicates a shift toward more traditional campaign engagements as Election Day approaches.

University representatives confirmed that Trump would not attend the Penn State game, reinforcing the campaign’s evolving strategy. Trump’s pivot to the Virginia rally is expected to resonate with his core supporters while reaching new audiences in a critical state.

Trump and Harris Both Rally Supporters Nationwide

As Trump shifts his plans to prioritize rallies, Harris’s campaign is also ramping up efforts to mobilize voters across key states. The two candidates remain neck and neck in many areas, with each pushing to gain an edge as the election nears.

With the electoral landscape marked by intense competition, both campaigns recognize the importance of securing a balanced mix of high-support regions and critical swing areas. Trump’s decision to hold a rally instead of attending the game reflects a calculated choice to intensify voter engagement in close states like Virginia.

As the campaigns continue to unfold, Trump’s strategic switch to a rally over a game appearance highlights his focus on solidifying support in states where votes may determine the election outcome.