DNC

 

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Democratic National Convention

 

 

When is the Convention? When do we expect Convention attendees to arrive and leave?

 

  • The Democratic National Convention (DNC) begins Monday, July 25th, and ends Thursday evening, July 28th. Attendees will arrive as soon as Friday, July 22nd, and leave by Friday, July 29th.

 

Where does the Convention take place?

 

  • The Convention takes place at the Wells Fargo Center in the evening hours, typically from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. There will be smaller caucus and council meetings during work hours at the Pennsylvania Convention Center as well.

 

How many people are coming to Philadelphia for the Convention?

 

  • The City expects approximately 50,000 Convention participants between delegates, media, and other attendees.

 

 

Are there any changes to trash and recycling service during the DNC? Are there any changes to municipal services, such as; court hours, jury duty, and city employee work schedules?

 

  • At this time, all city services are expected to operate as scheduled. If that changes, the information will be available on the City’s DNC home page: phila.gov/democraticnationalconvention

 

 

Will police and fire services be affected in my neighborhood due to re-assignment of first-responders?

 

  • Philadelphia Police, Philadelphia Fire and EMS services will not be impacted by the DNC.

 

 

Will highways or streets be closed during the DNC?

 

  • At this time, we do not anticipate extended road or highway closures in Center City and other areas outside of the Stadium District. There may be rolling closures due to dignitary movements or protests.

 

  • Before you leave the house, we encourage you to check @PhiladelphiaGov for any traffic news.

 

  • There will be traffic restrictions around the sports complex, and we expect United States Secret Service to announce those by early July at the absolute latest. When they are announced, you can find the information here: phila.gov/democraticnationalconvention.

 

How can the public be aware if large demonstrations are going to affect them?

 

  • Planned permitted demonstrations that impact traffic or require road closures will be included on the City website road closure page, and updates provided via social media. For more information visit: phila.gov/democraticnationalconvention and follow @PhiladelphiaGov.

 

  • Demonstrations that deviate from the planned route or do not attain a permit will be updated via social media. Follow @PhillyPolice and @PhiladelphiaGov.

 

Will any SEPTA routes change during the DNC?

 

  • Additional service along the Broad Street Line (BSL) will be added during the convention. Travelers should expect crowds on public transit similar to sporting events when Convention programming begins and ends.

 

While the Convention has not yet released their full schedule, historically sessions have begun at 5 p.m. and concluded at 11 p.m.

 

  • Transit riders can sign up for SEPTA alerts regarding system delays and service disruptions through the City’s mass notification system,

 

ReadyPhiladelphia:  www. phila.gov/ready

 

 

 

Will there be special parking or towing restrictions?

 

  • There will be some parking or towing restrictions, though we do not expect it to be nearly as extensive as last year’s Papal Visit. Before the weekend of July 23, and throughout the week of the DNC, please be sure to check the street signs near where you normally park each day to ensure there are no temporary parking restrictions.

 

Will the City allow camping?

 

  • Because of the resources needed to manage the Convention, no permits will be issued for camping.

 

 

Will it be difficult to go out during the Convention? Will restaurants have available seating?

 

  • Because the Convention historically takes place from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. each evening, Center City and other area dining destinations should have open tables, especially during dinner hours, should you want to take advantage of them.

 

 

Can I get into the Wells Fargo Center if I am not a credentialed media member or delegate? Can anyone attend the convention?

 

  • Only those who are credentialed have access inside the Wells Fargo Center, which include media, delegates, politicians, and volunteers. However, the smaller councils and caucus meetings which take place during the day at the Pennsylvania Convention Center are open to the public.

 

How can I participate in the DNC?

 

  • There are a number of fun Convention-related events happening around town for the public, even if you’re not interested in politics. For more information and a list of events, go to phldnc.com.

 

What if I have questions that aren’t answered here?

 

We encourage you to first go to  www.phila.gov/democraticnationalconvention. If your questions aren’t answered there, you can always call 3-1-1 for non-emergencies. The week of the Convention, 311 will have extended hours from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.