City Officials Expecting Huge Turnout At Pens Victory Parade, Asking Fans To Be Respectful
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- It's time for another celebration for the City of Champions.
The Pittsburgh Penguins and that coveted trophy, the Stanley Cup, will be parading through the streets of Downtown Pittsburgh Wednesday. The Keeper of the Cup, Philip Pritchard, took to Twitter to show off the shiny trophy back in the 'Burgh and anticipating the big celebration!
Hey @penguins fans..im back! Looking forward to the #stanleycup parade tomorrow. @NHL @HockeyHallFame pic.twitter.com/GBmhJT2PPl
— Philip Pritchard (@keeperofthecup) June 14, 2016
"A number of the players were stunned by the number of people who turned out in 2009," said Pittsburgh Penguins Communications Vice President Tom McMillan. "I think some of the newer players will be stunned by what happens here on Wednesday."
McMillan says the parade is a chance for the players to share the championship with fans.
The parade will travel down Grant Street, turning onto the Boulevard of the Allies, and end at Stanwix Street.
City safety officials are expecting at least 350,000 people to be there for it, and are planning for even more.
"Back in December, no one ever thought we would be here planning a celebration for the Stanley Cup," said Pittsburgh Chief Operations Office Guy Costa.
"It's a massive event to basically do in 48 hours," Pittsburgh Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich said.
Back in Pittsburgh with the #stanleycup champion @penguins. Cleaned up and ready for the day. @NHL @HockeyHallFame pic.twitter.com/qfKNb0MSAR
— Philip Pritchard (@keeperofthecup) June 14, 2016
Barricades are ready to go. Some of the street closures are going into effect tonight at 9 p.m. along parts of Stanwix Street and the lower half of the Boulevard of the Allies, and at Wood Street down to Commonwealth Place. The rest of the street closures start at 9 a.m. Wednesday morning.
Click here for much more on road closures and bus detours!
"Just ask that everyone be respectful, and cooperate, and don't climb up on any staffing or barriers," Hissrich said. "The parade route will be locked down shortly after 9 a.m."
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Businesses, like the Smithfield News, are trying to prepare knowing the chaos from the parade in 2009 where people were seen hanging out of parking garages to get the best vantage point.
"We made sure we're totally stocked up and back-stocked. In '09, we sold out of every bottle of water we had in the store. Our coolers were bone dry, every one," said Brian Weiss, of the Smithfield News.