PHILADELPHIA – The City of Philadelphia released details for the 2018 NFL Kickoff Experience, a day-long festival to celebrate the 2018 NFL season and to honor the Super Bowl LII champion Philadelphia Eagles.

Event Activities & Information

The 2018 NFL Kickoff Experience will take place at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing on Thursday, September 6, 2018.  Gates to the festival area will open at 10:00AM, and the event is scheduled to conclude at 8:00PM.  The NFL Kickoff Experience is a day-long festival celebrating the start of the NFL season and giving fans another opportunity to celebrate the Super Bowl Champion Eagles.  Events and activities for fans will include:

  • Appearances by Eagles Legends throughout the day
  • Super Bowl LII re-watch party (Noon)
  • Performance by country duo LOCASH (3 PM)
  • Performance by Pennsylvania-born Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Daya (4 PM)
  • Viewing of America’s Game – The Story of the Super Bowl LII Champions (5 PM)
  • Headline concert by multi-platinum singer/songwriter Shawn Mendes (6 PM)
  • And more

NFL Kickoff Experience is free to attend, and no tickets are required.  Fans are encouraged to visit NFL.com/Kickoff for additional information, and to sign up for NFL Kickoff – Fan Mobile Pass at NFL.com/FanMobilePass for their all-access pass to Kickoff Experience and a chance to win prizes, including tickets to the Eagles’ Kickoff game or to Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta.

Guests are advised that the Eagles v. Falcons game on September 6, 2018 WILL NOT be broadcasted at the NFL Kickoff Experience.

 

Road Closures

Road closures and lane restrictions in connection with the 2018 NFL Kickoff Experience will be minimal.  A full list of closures and restrictions can be found below:

12:00AM on Tuesday, September 4

  • Columbus Blvd. – Northbound parking lane and right travel lane between Walnut Street and Market Street
  • Lanes closed from 12:00AM on 9/4 through 11:59PM on 9/7

9:30AM on Tuesday, September 4

  • Market & Chestnut Street Viaduct – Closed at Front Street
  • Roads closed from 9:30AM on 9/4 through 11:59PM on 9/7

Additional road closures may be implemented in the vicinity of Penn’s Landing on Thursday, September 6 to facilitate public safety.  Local delays can be expected.  Motorists are advised to avoid the area by using alternate routes and public transportation.  Motorists should allow for extra driving time when traveling in the vicinity.  Please refrain from double-parking, which creates congestion, limits traffic flow and is illegal.

 

No Parking

12:00AM on Tuesday, September 4

  • Columbus Blvd. – Northbound parking lane between Walnut Street and Market Street
  • Restrictions lifted at 11:59PM on 9/7

8:00AM on Tuesday, September 4

  • Market & Chestnut Street Viaduct
  • Front Street (East Side) from Walnut Street to Market Street
  • Restrictions lifted at 11:59PM on 9/7

6:00AM on Thursday, September 6th

  • Dock Street (Both Sides) from Columbus Blvd. to 38th Parallel Place
  • Spruce Street (Both Sides) from Columbus Blvd. to 38th Parallel Place
  • 38th Parallel Place (Both Sides) from Dock Street to Spruce Street
  • Front Street (East Side) from Dock Street to Walnut Street
  • Restrictions lifted at 11:00PM on 9/6

 

Public Transportation and Parking

SEPTA is a convenient, affordable way for fans to get to and from Penn’s Landing.  Street and garage parking in the vicinity of the event is limited.  Event-goers are encouraged to utilize the Market Frankford Line and exit the system via 2nd & Market Street Station.  Another option is to utilize the Spring Garden Station, also on the Market Frankford Line.  Parking is available at many stops along the Market Frankford Line, and the 15th Street/City Hall stop offers free interchange with the Broad Street Subway.  When departing 2nd Street Station and/or Spring Garden Station, event-goers will be directed to the appropriate entrance at NFL Kickoff Experience.

A SEPTA Key Card loaded with money in the Travel Wallet will be the most convenient way to travel, with the benefit of paying a discounted fare. The other option is purchasing Quick Trips from the Station Fare Kiosk at the start of the trip for each trip being taken in one day.  Each Quick Trip is only good for one trip, with no transfers.  The SEPTA Key Mobile Fare Kiosk will be onsite at 2nd & Market Streets for Key fare purchases.

All SEPTA service changes/alerts can be found at www.septa.org.

SEPTA Customer Service can be reached at 215-580-7800 and directly on Twitter @septa_social.  For more information on SEPTA and NJ Transit routes and schedules during the NFL Kickoff Experience, visit www.septa.org or call 215-580-7800, and www.njtransit.org or call 973-275-5555.

If driving into Center City is necessary, commercial off-street parking lots and garages are available within walking distance of Penn’s Landing.  Contact individual facilities in advance for rates and availability, or visit the Philadelphia Parking Authority’s website at www.philapark.org for a list of parking options.  The 2018 NFL Kickoff is not affiliated with these parking facilities.

 

Venue Details and Public Safety Information

The perimeter of the NFL Kickoff Experience will be secured and protected for maximum public safety.  All event-goers will be directed to pass through security checkpoints at the following locations:

  • Market Street Viaduct (via 2nd & Market Streets)
  • Chestnut Street Viaduct (via Front & Chestnut Streets)
  • Penn’s Landing RiverWalk (via Walnut Street & Columbus Blvd.)

Throughout the event, the City will provide a strong presence of law enforcement and emergency medical services.  The City and NFL officials will utilize a network of prevention and response services, which will be integrated, mobile and in constant communication.

Event-goers will be subject to searches before being permitted inside the venue to ensure the enjoyment and safety of everyone at the event.  Attendees should be prepared for additional searches inside the venue at the discretion of event security staff.  Attendees are strongly discouraged from carrying bags, backpacks, or satchels of any kind.  All bags are subject to search.  The public can do their part by using common sense.  If you are attending the event, make a plan regarding driving, public transit, parking, supervision of children and wearing comfortable attire.

Leave no 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.

 

Items NOT allowed inside the venue include but are not limited to:

  • Alcohol
  • Any vehicle except a wheelchair, baby carriage or other like vehicle
  • Banners (any object that obstructs the view of another)
  • Drones
  • Fireworks
  • Golf Clubs and Golf Balls
  • Illegal substances
  • Laser Lights and Pointers
  • Mace/Pepper Spray
  • Noisemakers and Horns
  • Poles, Sticks (including selfie sticks), Missile like objects of any kind
  • Smoking of any kind
  • Weapons, Knives, Firearms and Explosives
  • Chairs
  • Umbrellas
  • Pets, other than service animals
  • Bicycles, scooters, hoverboards, skateboards

 

PENN’S LANDING RULES AND REGULATIONS

Fans will be expected to follow the rules and regulations of the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation. Therefore, all below items are not allowed:

  • Professional cameras or recording devices
  • Grills or barbecues
  • Coolers, or picnic tables
  • Tents
  • Glass bottles
  • Outside food or alcohol
  • Stickers or markers
  • Flyer distribution
  • Laser pointers
  • Illegal drugs
  • Smoking of any kind
  • Weapons, Knives, Firearms and Explosives

Take missing or lost persons to a security location or information tent, which will be clearly identified.

Found items can be taken to various information tents located throughout the venue.

An EMS tent, staffed by the Philadelphia Fire Department, will be located inside the event venue, and will be clearly marked.

 

Emergency Preparedness & Weather Alerts

NFL Kickoff Experience is a rain or shine event.  In the case of severe weather, listen for announcements and sign up ahead of time to receive free emergency text alerts from the Office of Emergency Management’s ReadyPhiladelphia system.  Text READYPHILA to 888-777 to enroll.

For tips and general information about being prepared and ready at special events, read the Special Event Safety Guide before you attend.

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