Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump is now taking over a constituency that opponent Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky thought was reserved for him — students at college campuses.

And he started with that most revered of activities — pre-game tailgating.

It took place Saturday at the Republican tent that was set up in the parking lot of the Iowa State football stadium in Ames before that day’s game with the University of Iowa.

Trump arrived about an hour late to deliver a short speech, and was enthusiastically greeted by the students as he made his way through the parking lot.

Even the Trump-hating New York Times had to admit the billionaire got “rock star” treatment.

“Donald, you rock!” one student shouted, the Gray Lady reported.

“Donald, I’m wearing your hat!” another announced after fighting his way through the throng to get to the candidate.

“Shook his hand,” another told his friends in disbelief. “I shook his hand!”

“That was better than the game!” exclaimed another, according to Politico.

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, a huge Midwestern football fan who not long ago was Iowa’s GOP presidential poll leader, was largely ignored.

As Walker spoke at the Republican tent, a group of students to the candidate’s left chanted, “We want Trump! We want Trump!”

Tweeted one:

Hey, @ScottWalker, folks at your tailgate were there to see the Donald? #Hypothetically, ouch. http://t.co/LNxZVPpJPe #p2 #tcot #wiunion

— A 99er (@HelpThe99ers) September 13, 2015

Another remarked on Politico’s largely positive piece on Trump, despite the publication’s well-deserved reputation for leaning to the left.

?? @Politico has positive article on @realDonaldTrump? NO WAY.? YES!? “Trump vs. Walker: A tale of two tailgates” http://t.co/BEZOdyXYS4 — ELLY. (@FieldsofCream) September 13, 2015

That didn’t mean there were no anti-Trump demonstrators there. They just couldn’t get to him because of the throng of fans surrounding him.

‘Anti-Trump protestors waited to take him on for hours, but couldn’t break through the packed crowd.’ #Trump2016 http://t.co/t7fVySF5We

— American Hank ن (@_HankRearden) September 13, 2015

IOWA GOP TAILGATE: TRUMP GREETING FANS ON FOOTBALL FIELD w/ISU PRESIDENT Steven Leath. #MakeAmericaGreatAgain pic.twitter.com/UfqObPNPjT — Ciana@mygianluca (@myGianLuca) September 13, 2015

Trump packs ’em in at tailgate – http://t.co/kmoZY2QQzE via http://t.co/UjStGmTT2f

— f396 (@f396) September 13, 2015

IOWA GOP TAILGATE—>>>> EVERYONE WANTS A SELFIE WITH TRUMP!!!! #MakeAmericaGreatAgain pic.twitter.com/dvQ9EzWlul — Ciana@mygianluca (@myGianLuca) September 13, 2015

Trump a rock star at Iowa State tailgate parties. Rubio, Rand, not so much http://t.co/FMznU4DEM9

— Lyz Estrada (@lyz_estrada) September 13, 2015

Donald Trump Gets Rock Star Greeting in Iowa http://t.co/6Ekqn8ujB9 All eyes on Trump at Iowa tailgate party! pic.twitter.com/lI9Yqin9KK — Bry -Trumps Army! (@bryy771) September 13, 2015

Although it’s Walker with true Midwestern roots, and Paul who’s most identified with the nation’s youth, it was Trump who stole the show.

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Michael Dorstewitz

Mike has been with BizPac Review almost from the beginning. Follow him on Twitter at @MikeBPR.

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