Campaign aims to excite the city for pope visit

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- We're three weeks away from the beginning of the World Meeting of Families, and Philadelphia leaders are hoping to energize and excite the city with the "I'll Be There" campaign, which was officially launched today.

Mayor Nutter handed out "I'll be there" buttons Monday afternoon as the marketing campaign hit the streets to drum up some buzz for the papal visit.

Despite earlier reports of business, which could not or would not open because of security impediments during the papal stay, the message today was the city will be open for business.

One place already onboard is McGillian's Ale House, which predates the Civil War.

Outside the landmark establishment, Donna Farrell from the World Meeting of Families said today, "Mcgillian's tweeted: 'If we have to have the beer delivered by drones, we will be open on the papal weekend.' Now don't tell the Secret Service that because I know drones are not going to be allowed."

Wawa has more than a half dozen stores inside the restricted traffic box and is working out resupply plans with officials.

Dave Simonetti from Wawa tells us, "The conversation seems to be heading in that direction, so we're optimistic it's going to happen."

The visit weekend is not a sell out yet. There are still hotel rooms and transit passes available.

Officials couldn't say how many charter coaches have signed up yet. They did say the number would be nowhere near the 10,000 bus figure some had projected.

Farrell says, "We know that thousands of people are coming on buses. The exact number was never that high, but we will get you the correct number."

Organizers say they are still planning that a million to a million and a half visitors will come to Center City to see the pope when he is in Philadelphia.