How many people will Parkway fit for pope's visit?
CENTER CITY PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Now just one week away, excitement is building for the papal visit.
Construction crews are working late into the night to prepare for a celebration like no other.
And that's exactly what locals of all faiths are expecting to get.
"I hope it's big. I think it should be. The city is preparing for a party," said Donna Fisher of Roxborough.
But exactly how big the event will be in terms of attendees on the Parkway has received mixed responses.
Mayor Nutter has said he expects one million people to attend Sunday Mass, but the Secret Service estimates less than 300,000 people will fit on the Parkway.
Based on the Secret Service's numbers, that would put 80,000 people in the ticketed area and another 150 to 200,000 people in the open-access area, south of 20th Street to City Hall.
Michele Bregande of South Philly said even if the odds aren't in her favor, that won't deter her from enjoying the festivities.
"I do not have tickets, but I might just walk up and see and feel and watch it on the large TVs," said Bregande. "I'm excited for the city, and to have the pope here is an honor"
Unlike major concerts, like Live 8 in July 2005, the area for spectators will be much narrower with the outer lanes of the Parkway off limits to the public for security reasons.
The Secret Service also warns it could take 2 to 3 hours for people to get through security checkpoints.
But locals say that doesn't scare them.
"No. He's a world leader. He's the most powerful man in the world," said Fisher.
