For the kids in Philadelphia, dreams became reality when the Eagles clinched their Super Bowl victory against the Kansas City Chiefs. Now, they have another reason to celebrate: a day off from school to join the city’s joyous Super Bowl parade.
Tuesday’s announcement by the School District of Philadelphia revealed that all schools would close on Friday. This decision gives nearly 200,000 students the opportunity to be part of the million-strong crowd expected to line the city’s streets. And it’s not just students who benefit—almost 20,000 school staff will enjoy the day off too.
“We are excited to come together as a community to celebrate the Eagles’ incredible win,” the district shared. In other words, it’s a big “Go Birds!” from everyone.
The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. at Lincoln Financial Field. From there, it winds its way through Center City, passing City Hall, and wraps up by the iconic Philadelphia Museum of Art, as laid out in the official parade map.
Meanwhile, parents are weighing the pros and cons of taking their kids to a parade where crowds will be packed tightly in chilly temperatures hovering around the 30s. With Monday also off for Presidents’ Day, some families might choose a short getaway, making it a four-day weekend.
Social media is abuzz with discussions and advice. Optimistic fans have already secured Airbnbs near the stadium, while cautious parents suggest leaving the kids at home with a babysitter.
Philadelphia’s public safety officials offered a few tips for parents planning to bring their youngsters: dress them in bright colors, snap a photo before leaving home, and ensure they carry your contact info in case you get separated.
Universities and other school districts in the area are joining in the merriment. Temple University, Gloucester City School District in South Jersey, and Ridley School District in Delaware County, have all canceled classes. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia Schools is also closing its high schools, parish, and regional elementary schools.
Expect some transit headaches, though. Limited train service will commence early, and road congestion due to street closures will be a given. Government offices, city daytime centers, and courts will also take the day off.
The parade coinciding with Valentine’s Day has drawn some complaints from local restaurants and flower shops, worried about disruptions to their services. At a news conference on Tuesday, Mayor Cherelle Parker addressed these concerns with reassurance.
“To those in our restaurant community, we’re ready for this,” she expressed confidently. “We’re committed to ensuring nothing disrupts your dinner reservations. We’ll wrap up in plenty of time for your evening plans. Those reservations are safe with us.”
Back in 2018, Philadelphia schools also closed to celebrate the Eagles’ first Super Bowl win against the New England Patriots. And in Kansas City, when they shut down schools for their Super Bowl parade last year, a tragic shooting at the event left one person dead and several others, including nine children, injured.
