Eagles parade safety: Officials urge parade-goers to have a plan ahead of Super Bowl celebrations
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The stage is nearly set for the Eagles Super Bowl parade.
2025 Eagles Super Bowl parade live updates: HERE
Crews have worked throughout the day putting the final touches on the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps, including testing the jumbotrons and speakers that will line the parade route.
Security measures will mirror similar ones in prior large events.
Last year's Super Bowl parade for the Chiefs in Kansas City turned tragic. One person was killed and 22 others injured when gunfire erupted moments after the parade ended.
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And the January 1 terrorist attack in New Orleans had already prompted Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel to tweak future event plans prior to the Eagles' big win.
"This parade is going to have so many different security concerns. The route has to be pristine and secure," said Maureen Rush runs a security and safety consulting company and has handled similar events,
"It's going to be set up well into the morning hours, where the barricades are linked and people will not be able to cross east to west or west to east. They're are also going to be putting barriers using trash trucks."
The route itself, from Broad and Pattison leading up to the Art Museum steps, presents different security challenges. The final destination sits among multiple high-rise apartments.
"They're securing all of that and also crowd control for what they're thinking is over 1 million people," said Rush.
Over 50 agencies, including law enforcement, are working together. Medic tents will line the route and the emergency operations center will be enacted.
"There's a lot of VIPs that will be there. You want to hope everyone is joyful and clapping as they go by, but that's not how police think. They think what could happen?" said Rush.
Have a plan
City leaders are urging attendees to plan ahead. Make sure to communicate with your group or friends before heading to the event since cellphone reception might be difficult.
"Have a plan. Know where you want to go, how you're going to get there and how you're going to get back," said Managing Director Adam Thiel.
Officials said the public should expect congestion throughout the city and along the parade route and recommend that if you are attending the parade, make a plan regarding driving, public transit, parking, and supervision of children. It is also recommended that attendees wear comfortable, weather-appropriate attire.
Parade-goers should be prepared to walk, as road closures near the parade route will lead to traffic congestion and delays.
Key things to plan:
- Know where you want to go and how you're going to get there before you leave the door.
- Discuss an emergency meet-up location if you and your friends or family get separated. Look for landmarks.
- There will be a lot of people out on Friday using their cell phones and service bandwidth may be faulty. Consider texts or posts through social media apps to communicate.
- If bringing children, make sure they are wearing bright colors or distinct clothes. Take a picture of them before leaving and email it to yourself. Write your phone number on a bracelet, on their wrist, or a piece of paper in their pocket.
- When you get to your location, be sure to look for the quickest way to exit if you need to.
- Make sure you check the weather before you go and dress properly. It's going to be colder Friday. Dress warmly. Wear your Eagles hats, gloves... you'll be outside for a while. Bring plenty of water.
- If you see something suspicious, say something. Tell the nearest police officer or public safety official.
- If you call 911 for police or fire assistance, know your location. Not only the nearest street signs, but a landmark and clothing description to help first responders find you.
Police presence
Commissioner Bethel said police will be out in full force.
The emergency operations center will be activated, as well as mobile command posts. City officials said as of Monday there were over 50 agencies working together to iron out logistics for the event.
"You will see a large police presence continue throughout the day and into the evening," Bethel said during the city's press conference announcing plan details earlier this week.
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The city asks the public to do their part, use common sense and stay aware of their surroundings. Officials also say to not leave any bags or items unattended.
In an emergency or to report a suspicious person, activity or item (a backpack, a package, a container), notify a police officer immediately or call 9-1-1. Do not try to open, move, cover or touch a suspicious item.
EMS tents
There will be three EMS tents staffed by the Philadelphia Fire Department.
Those locations will be:
- 24th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway (south side)
- Pennsylvania Avenue and Spring Garden Street
- Aviator Park
Officials say any missing or lost people should be taken to any of the EMS tents listed or notify a Philadelphia police officer.
There will also be alpha-numeric "location markers" are posted along the Parkway to clearly and easily identify a location or section (by letter and number, example: CD-1) to facilitate communication in the event of an emergency.
Eagles fans came out in droves to celebrate the team's win once the game concluded Sunday night, but police said no major problems or injuries were reported. Police made 10 arrests overall, including six people who were charged with assaulting officers.
RELATED: Police identify multiple people arrested during Super Bowl celebration in Philadelphia
However, the team's NFC Championship game last month was marred when a Temple University student fell after climbing a street pole and died from his injuries.
