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 likely arrive as soon as Friday, July 22nd, and largely leave by Friday, July 29th.

How many people are coming to Philadelphia for the Convention?

The City expects approximately 50,000 Convention participants between delegates, media, and other attendees, which is about the equivalent of the Army-Navy game.

Where does the Convention take place?

The Convention takes place at the Wells Fargo Center in the evening hours. While the final schedule has not yet been released by the DNC, traditionally, the hours have been from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m each day. Smaller caucuses and council meetings will occur during work hours at the Pennsylvania Convention Center as well.

Where will Convention delegates be spending their time?

Most delegates will spend breakfast hours at their hotel for state delegate meetings. Many delegates will then travel to the Convention Center in Center City for various caucuses during the work day. All delegates will then travel to the Wells Fargo Center for the Convention for the evening. Following the Convention, delegates will be bused to Center City and/or their hotels. We expect many delegates to remain in close proximity to their accommodations however it is likely some will travel to local restaurants and bars.

Should I expect a rush from Convention business?

The Pennsylvania Convention Center and the City host events of similar size as the DNC often, so businesses in Center City should expect similar traffic.

Restaurant owners should note that most delegates will eat at their hotels during breakfast meetings and all delegates will be at the Wells Fargo Center Monday through Friday during dinner hours. Many delegates will also be provided lunch during caucuses at the Convention Center. Some delegates may seek out late‐night bites following the Convention proceedings, which have traditionally concluded at 11p.m.

While delegates will be busy during mealtimes, thousands of members of the media will be coming to town and many delegates are traveling with family or other attendees. We also expect many attendees to arrive the weekend prior to the event before the Convention, lunch time caucuses, and breakfast meetings formally begin. Additionally, we expect a close‐to‐normal number of local customers during the week of DNC.

Businesses can be a part of the DNC by using the hashtag #DNCDeals on social media accounts to spread the word about deals and activities they’re offering during the Convention. Learn more about this initiative at www.phldnc.com/dncdeals/.

How many demonstrators are you expecting and where will they be?

We expect 35,000‐50,000 demonstrators per day all across the City. We expect most demonstrations to occur at FDR Park, Marconi Plaza, Independence Mall, and the plazas outside City Hall and the Municipal Service Building. There will also be marches down Broad Street and Market Street. A list of permitted protests will be available online at www.phila.gov/dnc beginning the week of July 10.

How can we prepare for unpermitted protests?

Information about demonstrations that deviate from the planned route or do not attain a permit will be updated via social media. Follow @PhillyPolice and @PhiladelphiaGov on twitter.

We are also asking businesses to bring inside signs, flags, tables, flower pots or any other non‐fixed objects your normally keep outside of your business.

Will demonstrations be permitted in Center City during rush hour?

The City will work with demonstrators to minimize disruptions to residents and businesses, but it is likely that demonstrations will occur in Center City during rush hour.

If the state legislature passes a bill allowing for the sale of liquor after 2AM, do I have to obtain a permit to sell liquor at my restaurant or bar during those extended hours?

Yes, and there will be only a few, select permits granted. Should this legislation be passed, additional details will be available on www.phila.gov/dnc.

Are there any changes to trash and recycling service during the DNC? Or other city services?

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: www.phila.gov/dnc.

The City is asking that businesses take extra steps to secure all commercial dumpsters during the Convention to avoid misappropriation by demonstrators.

Will the SEPTA regional rail delays and service changes have an adverse impact on the Convention?

We do not expect it to have a serious impact. Delegates will largely be traveling by secure bus.

Will it be difficult for people to get around? Will highways or streets be closed during the DNC?

Due to the concentration of activity in Center City during the day, we encourage all residents and visitors to take public transit instead of driving, if you’re able.

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.

Expect traffic restrictions around the Stadium District, and commercial vehicles will not be able to traverse certain sections of 1‐95. All the details are available on: www.phila.gov/dnc.

Additional service along the Broad Street Line (BSL) will be added during the convention.

Will there be special parking or towing restrictions?

There will be some parking or towing restrictions, though not 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 or your customers normally park each day to ensure there are no temporary parking restrictions.

Will the City allow camping?

No permits will be issued for camping.

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

We encourage you to first go to www.phila.gov/dnc. If your questions aren’t answered there, 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.