There will be two main road closure areas between Center City and Lemon Hill, near Fan Festival and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. For detailed information, visit the 2026 Digital Resource Hub.
Below are some questions and answers you may have about changes to pedestrian, cycling, and vehicle traffic during the festival.
Fan Festival traffic impacts
How can I get to Fan Festival?
If you’re thinking of taking SEPTA, Philly PHLASH, a ride hailing service, or an Indego bike, check out our blog post with helpful information for residents or visitors going to the Fan Festival.
Will Kelly Drive be closed during Fan Festival?
Kelly Drive will be open to vehicular traffic during Fan Festival unless implemented by the Philadelphia Police Department based on conditions in the interest of public safety.
Will there be a traffic box in Center City?
No! There is no traffic box or large-scale closure scheduled in Center City.
Will I be able to walk along Poplar Drive during Fan Festival?
Yes! Residents who do not wish to enter the Fan Festival but want to walk along Poplar Drive to or from Kelly Drive and Girard Avenue will still be able to do so.
If you are biking, we kindly ask that you walk your bike along Poplar Drive, as there may be periods of heavy pedestrian traffic and large crowd densities during event hours.
Please note that during certain stages of the event build and breakdown process, pedestrian access along Poplar Drive may be temporarily restricted or closed for public safety reasons.
I live on Poplar Street, between Poplar Drive and 29th Street, will I be able to drive and park on my street?
Yes! These streets will be maintained for local access only, meaning if you live on the block, you will be allowed to drive down Poplar Street.
Lemon Hill temporary residential parking permit
We understand how important parking access is for our community members. With Lemon Hill serving as the site of the FIFA Fan Festival™, and with no designated onsite parking available for attendees, the City wanted to take proactive steps to help protect residential streets from being used for long-term event parking.
The City and Councilmember Young Jr. worked together to establish a residential parking solution designed to minimize impacts on nearby neighborhoods. The goal is to help ensure that throughout the 39 days of the festival, residents can continue to access parking near their homes without added concerns from event-related parking demand.
This is like what is already in place around the Stadium Complex District, where on event days, parking in surrounding neighborhoods is restricted to residents with permit parking.
You can visit the 2026 Digital Resource Hub to learn how to apply or check out the PPA’s Lemon Hill website and FAQs.
Stay informed checklist:
- Sign up for text alerts from Office of Emergency Management. Text “CUPPHL” TO 888-777 for traffic and transit alerts, weather, and World Cup event updates.
