'I'll Be There' campaign announced for papal visit to Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA -- Philadelphia city officials and organizers of the World Meeting of Families announced the "I'll Be There" campaign as the countdown to the papal visit continues.

In the wake of the recent announcements of road and bridge closures to security zones, officials said their goal now is the 'energize and excite' businesses and residents in and around Philadelphia.

The "I'll Be There" campaign was described at a news conference on Wednesday.

One part of the effort is the #OpenInPHL hashtag for social media. Businesses are encouraged to use #OpenInPHL as a way of letting visitors know they'll be open for the WMOF and the papal visit.

Starting on Monday, August 31st, officials will lead teams across the city to personally deliver #OpenInPHL kits for their use.

The kits include signage, a window cling, branded buttons, business resources and additional information about how businesses can get involved.

A hotline for businesses has fielded about 250 pope related calls.

Jack's Firehouse restaurant showed their support Wednesday saying they will be open.

Mayor Michael Nutter announced Reading Terminal Market will be open, too.

"We worked with them on a delivery plan as we are with a number of businesses," Nutter said.

Originally, several businesses showed trepidation through announcements of road and bridge closures and concerns over not having enough food.

Officials also said the area of Center City from South Street to Girard Avenue and the Delaware River to 38th Street would be rebranded from the "traffic box" to"The Francis Festival Grounds."

It's being touted as a "fun and welcoming experience for the anticipated crowds from around the world already planning to attend but also for local residents."

Officials noted that, for the festival grounds:

-There are no security checkpoints for those entering the Festival grounds via South Street, Girard Avenue, Columbus Boulevard or 38th Street. U.S. Secret Service security checkpoints will be in very close proximity to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and Independence Mall.

-There will be food and beverage vendors - as well as official retail vendors - in the Festival grounds, in addition to restaurants and convenience stores. Independent food truck vendors will also be available within the Festival grounds.

-SEPTA and PATCO will deliver riders directly into the Francis Festival grounds on Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27.

The Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association also wants people to know, there are still rooms; some were only available as blocks before.

"Those rooms are available for the general public and they're plenty of them as of now, but they will go quick," Ed Grose of the Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association said.

Also during the papal visit, officials announced there will be 40 Jumbotrons strategically placed across the Francis Festival grounds. A comprehensive map of Jumbotron positions will be forthcoming, but the following events will be shown live:

Saturday, September 26:

9:30 a.m. Arrival of Pope Francis at Atlantic Aviation

10:30 a.m. The Cathedral Mass with Pope Francis

4:45 p.m. Pope Francis' Address at Independence Hall

7:30 p.m. The Festival of Families

Sunday, September 27:

4:00 p.m. The Papal Mass