Unless you’ve been sleeping under a rock for the past year, you know that Philadelphia will be dominated next week by the Democratic National Convention, running July 25-28.
The DNC, with most events scheduled at Wells Fargo Center and the rest at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, is expected to bring 50,000 politicians, delegates, members of the media, protesters and spectators. Maybe you’d like to keep sleeping under that rock? If so, here’s everything you need to know about how the city will be adjusting to handle the DNC so you can avoid the most raucous moments of the caucus. Road Closures and Transportation
Traffic around the Wells Fargo Center where the main convention will take place is going to be heavily restricted by law enforcement, including the U.S. Secret Service. Road closures are expected to take effect throughout the sports arena area in South Philly on Saturday, July 23, and should all be lifted by the evening of July 29.
Broad Street and Pattison Avenue around the Wells Fargo Center, as well as roads through adjoining FDR Park, will be completely closed off to traffic.
Commercial vehicles will be banned from I-95 south of Wells Fargo Center. Passenger vehicles will be permitted, but exit ramps near the center will be closed.
Transportation
SEPTA will be operating the Broad Street Line with extra service to AT&T Station near the Wells Fargo Center and FDR Park.
UberX and Lyft were recently made legal through Sept. 30 and will be available along with expected regular cabs, although some cabbies have vowed to boycott the DNC to protest the taxi apps.
The entire Philadelphia metropolitan area has been designated “secure airspace” during the convention, and no drones are permitted within 30 nautical miles of Philly during that time.
Protests
Most protesters are going to be stationed at FDR Park across Broad Street from the Wells Fargo Center. Some protesters are rumored to be planning to camp out overnight and live in the park during the DNC. However, protests down Broad Street to the Wells Fargo Center, around City Hall, and in Independence Mall are also scheduled almost every day of the week. Visit metro.us for the latest updates on the protests. Parking
Median parking on South Broad Street between Washington Avenue and Packer Avenue will be banned July 24-29 due to expected demonstrations on the street. The city made the decision “to ensure the safety of these demonstrators, as well as the police officers who will be protecting them,” the mayor’s office said. Curbside parking will still be allowed. No other significant parking changes are expected as other events are scheduled for large event spaces. If you do get your car towed somehow, call (215) 686-SNOW to locate it.
Politicians
Big name Democrats will be taking center stage each night for the convention. Here’s what the lineup looks like.
Monday: Michelle Obama, Bernie Sanders
Tuesday: Bill Clinton
Wednesday: Barack Obama, Joe Biden
Thursday: Hillary Clinton
Philly gets ready for the DNC
Charles Mostoller
