PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Thousands of people will pack the Benjamin Franklin Parkway Tuesday night for the Welcome America concert and fireworks show, and security will be tight.
Last year, two police officers were struck by stray bullets that were fired from up to a mile away, and chaos erupted among panicked visitors.
A new security fence has been added around the concert area this year. Police dressed in both uniform and street clothes will be patroling Eakins Oval and the surrounding neighborhood on foot.
“We have sufficient plans in place to be able to break [the fence] down into our escape routes, if needed,” said First Deputy Commissioner John Stanford. “That has all been worked out. We have done an extreme amount of preparation.
“We will have officers all throughout that footprint, so you will see a high visibility of police officers.”
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Everyone attending the concert must enter through a security checkpoint at 20th Street and the Parkway (Logan Circle). Gates open at 4 p.m.
Live music begins at 4 p.m. The headliners, musical artists Ludacris and Demi Lovato, will take the stage around 7:40 and 8:30 p.m., respectively. The fireworks show is set for 9:45 p.m.
Concertgoers are not permitted to bring:
— Skateboards and bicycles
— ATVs and dirt bikes
— Drones
— Fireworks
— Grills or anything with an open flame
— Alcohol
— Guns, even if you have a permit to carry
— Large signs or banners
— Selfie sticks
However, they are allowed to bring:
— Food and nonalcoholic drinks
— Small personal coolers
— Pets, as long as they are kept on leashes
— Chairs and blankets (though not permitted in ticketed front section)
City officials stress that if you see something unusual, tell the authorities.
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More guidelines from the city and information about traffic and road closures can be found here.