Shock travels fast. On September 10, 2025, a single gunshot at Utah Valley University changed the American political landscape forever. Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old engine behind Turning Point USA, was gone.
People were frantic for details. After the initial chaos in Orem, Utah, the focus shifted to how a movement would say goodbye to its founder. If you're looking for the schedule of that massive day in Arizona, you aren't alone. Thousands searched for "what time is Charlie Kirk’s memorial service" as the desert heat climbed and the gates at State Farm Stadium prepared to open.
The Official Start Time and Schedule in Glendale
The memorial wasn't just a funeral; it was a massive, high-security logistical feat. It took place on Sunday, September 21, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona.
Here is the breakdown of the timing:
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- Doors Opened: 8:00 a.m. MST (Local Arizona Time)
- Pre-Service Worship: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
- Official Memorial Service Start: 11:00 a.m. MST
While the formal program was slated for 11:00 a.m., the sheer volume of attendees meant the stadium was buzzing hours before. Security was at a "Level 1" rating, the same as a Super Bowl. Because of this, fans and supporters were urged to arrive as early as 7:30 a.m. to clear the Secret Service checkpoints. Honestly, if you weren't in your seat by 10:00 a.m., you were likely stuck in the overflow crowds that eventually filled the nearby Desert Diamond Arena.
Why Arizona?
It makes sense why they chose Glendale. Turning Point USA is headquartered nearby. The stadium offered the only space large enough to hold the estimated 100,000 people who showed up to pay their respects. Kirk wasn't just a podcaster to these people—he was the guy who told them their values mattered.
A Service That Felt Like a Revival
It’s hard to describe the vibe if you weren't there or watching the livestream. It wasn't your typical somber, black-suit affair. In fact, Turning Point requested that attendees avoid "funeral black" and instead wear "Sunday best" or patriotic colors. The result was a sea of red, white, and blue.
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Music played a huge role. Before the speakers even took the stage, the stadium felt like an evangelical revival. Artists like Brandon Lake, Phil Wickham, and Kari Jobe led hours of worship. It was intense. People were standing with hands raised, crying, and praying. It wasn't just about politics; it was about the Christian nationalism Kirk had championed in his final years.
The Heavy Hitters on Stage
The speaker list read like a "who’s who" of the MAGA movement.
- Erika Kirk: Charlie's widow gave a gut-wrenching speech where she famously publicly forgave the man accused of the shooting.
- JD Vance: The Vice President spoke about Kirk's legacy of "civilized but fierce" debate.
- Donald Trump: The former President was the final speaker, delivering a eulogy that lasted over 45 minutes and served as both a tribute and a rallying cry for the 2026 election cycle.
Dealing with the Utah Tragedy
You can’t talk about the service without acknowledging the "why." Charlie was at Utah Valley University for the "Prove Me Wrong" tour. He was sitting at a simple white table, debating students. At 12:23 p.m. local time, a sniper on a nearby roof fired.
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The suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, is currently navigating the court system in Provo. Just this week, in January 2026, his legal team tried to disqualify the prosecution because a deputy attorney's daughter was at the rally. The legal fallout is just beginning, but for the followers of TPUSA, the memorial service was the "official" closing of the chapter on Kirk's physical presence.
Actionable Steps for Those Following the Case
If you are looking for more than just a timestamp of a past event, here is how you can stay updated on the ongoing developments regarding Charlie Kirk’s legacy and the legal proceedings:
- Monitor the Utah Fourth District Court: This is where Tyler Robinson’s trial is moving through. The next major preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 18, 2026.
- Follow the Charlie Kirk Data Foundation: Formed in the wake of his death, this group tracks issues related to political violence and the aftermath of the assassination.
- Check TPUSA Updates: Erika Kirk has taken the helm of Turning Point USA. Their official site now hosts the archives of "The Charlie Kirk Show" and details on the "American Comeback" initiatives.
The memorial may have started at 11:00 a.m. on a Sunday in September, but the movement it solidified is still moving fast. Whether you loved him or hated his rhetoric, the scale of that day in Glendale proved that Kirk’s influence didn't stop when the bullet hit.