Shapiro administration urges preparedness ahead of thousands of summer visitors

Emily Scolnick is a 2026 Dow Jones News Fund intern at the Pennsylvania Capital-Star.

State officials are working to ensure constituents’ and visitors’ safety as Pennsylvania prepares to welcome thousands of visitors for America250 celebrations and several premier sporting events during the next month. 

The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) have outlined steps for visitors to maximize their safety, security, and enjoyment. 

“With large crowds comes shared responsibility,” PEMA Director Randy Padfield wrote in a release Thursday. “A little preparation can go a long way in ensuring you, your family, and your friends stay safe while enjoying these exciting experiences.”

Tips include identifying emergency exits and emergency contacts, following event security guidelines, downloading tickets and passes in advance, building in extra time to travel plans to allow for traffic and other possible delays, using public transportation, and keeping phones fully charged. The release also provided guidance for child safety and additional preparedness for large events.  

“With several large-scale events expected to bring tens of thousands of people to the Commonwealth in the coming weeks, public safety is our top priority,” PSP Acting Commissioner Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens wrote in the release. “We will assess potential risks and threats to ensure that the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the America250 celebrations can be enjoyed safely by fans, residents, and visitors.”

Gov. Josh Shapiro allotted an additional $15 million for Regional Event Security in last year’s budget, citing the need to protect the various semiquincentennial events as the national spotlight hit Pennsylvania. Lawmakers also approved the transfer of $46.5 million from the Medical Marijuana Program Fund to the Tourism Promotion Fund to help amplify and execute these events. 

Shapiro also established the Marketing to Attract Marquis Events program in the 2025-26 budget. He directed $50 million towards supporting operations, security, and infrastructure costs for this summer’s events. Of that, $10 million was awarded to the City of Philadelphia to support its security efforts. 

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will kick off first with the first of six matches in Philadelphia on June 11. Matches will continue until July 4, when the city hosts a Round of 16 knockout game. Philadelphia’s status as a host city is expected to bring 500,000 visitors to the state. 

Earlier this year, Shapiro announced that Reading, Scranton, and Pittsburgh will each host free World Cup Fan Zones that will broadcast select matches in July and offer food, drinks, and interactive experiences for fans. Philadelphia’s Lemon Hill Park is also hosting the FIFA Fan Fest for the duration of the World Cup. 

Pennsylvania will also host four additional nights of the free America250PA Commonwealth Concert Series throughout the month of June. The Fray will perform in Erie on Saturday, The Avett Brothers and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts in Hershey on June 13, Lady A in Wilkes-Barre on June 20, and Nelly in Pittsburgh on June 27. 

Philadelphia will host its annual Wawa Welcome America festival leading up to July 4, including a special semiquincentennial parade on July 3. Queen Latifah, Idina Menzel, and more will perform at various events throughout the celebration. 

Pittsburgh will also host a week-long America250 celebration, including a series of concerts from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, a World Cup watch party, and a fireworks show. Additional semiquincentennial events will occur throughout the state. 

Following the July 4th celebrations, Philadelphia will host MLB All-Star Week from July 11-14.