Philly is gearing up to ring in the new year with a bang and some road closures to match. The City of Philadelphia has announced that the streets will begin to close at 8 a.m. on December 31 to accommodate the New Year's Eve Concert and Fireworks event, set to ignite the festivities of our nation's 250th anniversary. According to the city's press release, the closures will stretch across several key areas including Benjamin Franklin Parkway and Eakins Oval, and are expected to last until about 6 a.m. on January 1.
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer LL Cool J, a two-time Grammy® Award-winning Hip-Hop icon, with special guest and Trenton native Adam Blackstone, will take the stage at Eakins Oval, ensuring a memorable celebration. The free concert is slated to start at 8 p.m., with gates opening at 6 p.m. For anyone planning to go, remember to get there early. Entry will be through a secure checkpoint, where bags and attendees will thoroughly be searched.
Public safety remains a top priority during the event. The use of drones over crowds is prohibited by the FAA, and spectators are advised to report any unauthorized drone usage to nearby officers. If you notice something suspicious or in the case of an emergency, the instructions are clear: notify a police officer or call 9-1-1, and do not attempt to investigate or manipulate the object yourself.
Getting around during the festivities might be tricky, as more than just road closures await. Parking restrictions will be enforced along the affected streets, with "Temporary No Parking" signs already visible. Cars parked in violation of these restrictions, as stated in the city's announcement, "will be relocated." For those who prefer public transit, SEPTA and NJ Transit are expected to be reliable alternatives, with schedules available at septa.org and njtransit.com respectively. Media looking to cover this celebratory kick-off can direct their questions and requests for credentials to the city officials at [email protected].
