Tours of the Wells Fargo Center. Protesters arriving from out-of-state. Ed Rendell's son getting a contract with the DNC.
All signs point to one thing: The start of the Democratic National Convention is near.
Delegates, lobbyists and politicians begin arriving in Philadelphia throughout Sunday as they get ready to meet for the first time officially at 3 p.m. Monday inside the Wells Fargo Center. Here's details on a need-to-know basis:
Convention dates (official): July 25-28
Convention dates (actual): July 24-29 (Large protest marches and rallies are scheduled for Sunday, the day before delegates officially gather at the Wells Fargo Center. Hillary Clinton is holding what will likely be a massive rally at Independence Mall on Friday, the day after the convention.)
Road closures: Many of you road warriors/commuters have already seen the large electronic signs noting "No Trucks Over 5 Tons on I-95 Between Exits 22 and 13 7/25-7/28." But there is much more to it than that. Really, though, it most affects those who travel in and around South Philly. Here's a map for the extensive road closures around the stadiums.
River closings: Boat traffic will be monitored closely by the U.S. Coast Guard the entire week, particularly when President Barack Obama is in town to speak at the DNC on Wednesday. Recreational boaters on the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers are asked to closely monitor channel 16 on their boat two-way radios.
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Popular protest locations: Thomas Paine Plaza, aka the area where the Frank Rizzo statue is in front of the MSB (Municipal Services Building); South Broad Street between City Hall and Pattison Avenue; Independence Mall at Fifth and Market streets; FDR Park.
Open-to-the-public AND delegates' attractions: Here's a list of big exhibits open the week of the DNC, festivals happening and places with some food and drink specials commemorating the big week.
