Officials Clarify Ticketing Information For Papal Visit
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- On Wednesday, the Secret Service released a Pedestrian Walking Map for the weekend of the Papal Visit. The map indicated areas where event attendees could walk and where those attending events needed to walk through security points.
The map also indicated areas where tickets were required for access. This was the first mention of tickets aside from some discussions regarding ticketing for the Independence Hall event on Saturday.
Tickets will be needed for several events during the Papal Visit including the event at Independence Hall on Saturday and the mass on the Ben Franklin Parkway on Sunday.
Donna Farrell, Executive Director of the World Meeting of Families, released the following statement on Wednesday.
"The message, as always remains, Join us and be part of history. We have worked diligently with our many valued partners for several months to develop comprehensive plans that would allow for maximum public access to events involving the Holy Father in a safe and enjoyable atmosphere. Based on this work, tickets are being made available to the 219 parishes throughout the five-county Archdiocese as well as to Archdiocesan social service ministries, which touch the lives of those whom Pope Francis cares so deeply. These plans were put in place to ensure that representatives representing the vibrant life and ongoing work of the Archdiocese were part of these joyful events. It is important to be clear that the announcement of limited ticketing does not limit participation in these events in any way. There is plenty of room for all who wish to attend. Now, more than ever is the time to declare, I'll Be There!"
Tickets will be required for the Independence Hall event on Saturday.
5,000 tickets will be made available to the public on a first come, first serve basis on Tuesday, September 8. Tickets will be available online and more information will be made public on Friday, September 4 with instructions on how to access these 5,000 tickets.
There is no cost associated with these tickets.
This event will focus on immigration and religious freedom. Due to the message, some tickets have already been distributed to the ethnic apostolates and immigrant communities through the Archdiocesan Office of Multicultural Ministries.
Saturday's Festival of Families is open to the public, however certain parts of the Parkway will require tickets. Tickets granting access to the area from 20th Street to Eakins Oval are being distributed by the World Meeting of Families to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's 219 parishes.
There are no tickets required for access to the Parkway from 20th Street to City Hall.
Sunday's Papal Mass will operate in the same way as certain parts of the Parkway will require a ticket. Those tickets are being allocated directly by the World Meeting of Families to the 219 parishes.
