Footage posted from the beginning of the Republican midterm convention showed largely empty stands as the two-day event kicked off in Dallas.

A video posted by PBS White House Correspondent Liz Landers showed many of the upper sections of American Airlines Arena empty, while the seats on the floor closest to the stage were filled.

Republican midterm convention officially kicking off in Dallas pic.twitter.com/nYnqD02a1u

Critics of the event quickly jumped at the chance to mock the crowd size, with former Democratic House staffer Aaron Fritschner saying the convention should have been held “in a high school gym.”

The convention was also reportedly plagued by other issues early on, including long lines and wait times to enter the arena.

“I’m at the GOP Midterm Convention general admission rally point talking with all the folks not connected enough to be swiftly ushered into the arena,” conservative pundit and political operative Alec Sears wrote on X.

Sears added that attendees were braving 95-degree heat, and three people had reportedly received medical attention.

“Several have already gone home. I must add the despite the wait and the heat, spirits are high among attendees,” Sears wrote.

The arena did not seem to fill out as the day went on, according to other reporters in attendance.

“Midway through tonight’s RNC convention, this is what the upper deck at American Airlines Center looks like,” Washington Sun reporter Dana Milbank posted on X with a video showing many upper sections sparsely populated.

See more reaction to Landers and Milbank’s videos here:

Going to a @chancetherapper show tonight that will be better attended than this https://t.co/COVcJ9tR1a

You can just feel the energy and excitement https://t.co/Olf2Kzs7Ep

Hmmmm…. should the kickoff be this empty? Or is this just sound check? Anyone?? https://t.co/5wZZptG3KC

Plenty of empty seats for Trump-A-Loser. https://t.co/HKswTuwFqT

I’ve seen busier DMV waiting rooms. https://t.co/rmI4RlcBP4

Isn't interesting that even MAGAts don't want to sit near other MAGAts? 🤔 https://t.co/EePON9cEY2

Oh man, there are a LOT of empty seats in that arena. What an embarrassment for Trump! https://t.co/hD5BHqQeW7

WOW! Packed house 👏 https://t.co/FwvpuKhfVe

This could have been a zoom. Maybe even an email. MAGA’s life support. CLEAR! https://t.co/VrTcm5DRYd

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