PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — City officials are preparing for an Eagles win over the Kansas City Chiefs at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans—if things “go our way.” A City Hall press conference on Thursday outlining those preparations came a little more than a week after a Temple University freshman died from injuries in a fall from a Center City light post the night of the Eagles’ NFC championship victory over the Washington Commanders.
Mayor Cherelle Parker begged fans to celebrate safely on Sunday night.
“Do not climb light poles or anything else.”
New Orleans officials issued a similar warning last week, threatening legal action against any Philadelphia fan who might otherwise be tempted to climb a French Quarter lamp post or balcony.
🦅 MORE: New Orleans officials to Eagles fans: Climbing poles in NOLA is a 'no-no'
“Please, Philadelphia. I implore you as your mayor,” said Parker.
“I know this comes up every time we have an outdoor celebration when our Philly teams win—and I get it. Folks climbing or attempting to climb up a light pole or a bus shelter—or really any structure, for that matter—it can lead to tragedy. We want Sunday to be a joyous moment for Philadelphia.”
Dominick Mireles, director of the Office of Emergency Management, reiterated the dangers of climbing any structure.
“A fall from a height of 6 feet can result in serious or permanent injury, disability or death. Even going up 4 more feet to 10 feet—that risk increases exponentially,” he said. “I will say the city’s street lighting and other infrastructure is significantly higher than that.”
🦅 MORE: 18-year-old Temple University gymnast dies after falling from light pole during Eagles celebrations
Parker would not say if poles in the city would be greased.
“For public and safety tactical reasons, we are not discussing it.”
Fire Commissioner Jeffrey Thompson reminded tailgaters and Super Bowl party hosts to check smoke alarms and never let food cook unattended. Cooking fires are a major source of house fires in the city, he said, so “keep an eye on what you fry.”
Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said more than 150 Pennsylvania state troopers will assist a significant city police presence with crowd control and safety. Police drones and helicopters will be deployed for air surveillance, he said.
“At some point, we are going to shut this thing down,” said Bethel, adding officers will begin to move people along as the celebration dwindles.
🎧 Philly Schools
There will be some parking restrictions in the city leading up to and including the aftermath of Sunday’s game; some major roads will be closed; and SEPTA will shut down some stations throughout the night.
Parking Restrictions
Saturday, Feb. 8: “No Parking” zones will go into effect at 10 a.m. Temporary “No Parking” signs will go up as early as Thursday, Feb. 6, in locations along South Broad Street and around City Hall.
Sunday, Feb. 9: “No Parking” zones will go into effect on side streets along S. Broad Street, from Lombard to Chestnut, as well as areas of Cottman and Frankford avenues in Northeast Philadelphia.
Cars parked in any of these zones during posted hours may be towed.
Road Closures
After all necessary towing has been done on Sunday, the Philadelphia Police Department may block side streets along S. Broad Street, from Lombard to Chestnut, if deemed necessary.
Also, it may be necessary for public safety to temporarily close off other streets around City Hall between 12th and 16th streets and Spring Garden and Lombard streets, as well as the eastbound and westbound I-676 ramps at Broad Street.
Drivers should expect delays and are advised to avoid the areas by using alternate routes.
Additional details are available on www.511pa.com, and by signing up for emergency text message alerts from the Office of Emergency Management by texting “READYPHILA” to 888-777, or by visiting phila.gov/ready.
SEPTA
The following stations may be temporarily closed on Sunday evening.
Market-Frankford Line
🚇 15th Street
🚇 City Hall
🚇 13th Street
🚇 11th Street
Broad Street Line
🚇 Walnut-Locust
🚇 City Hall
🚇 Race-Vine
Regional Rail
🚇 Suburban Station
🚇 Market East
Riders on Sunday should be prepared for delays from potential route detours or service interruptions. All service is subject to change. Riders can check system status for updates and follow @SEPTA and @SEPTA_BSL on X.com for real-time travel updates. Schedules and trip-planning tools are at www.septa.org.
SEPTA Customer Service can be reached at 215-580-7800 and on X.com @SEPTA_SOCIAL.