'Francis Fields' Campground Will Hold Up To 16,000 Visitors During Pope Visit

By JUSTIN HEINZE (Patch Staff)

Philadelphia will be transformed into a Catholic mecca on the last weekend in September, and the pilgrims need a place to bed down for the night.

With hotels brimming to capacity and thousands of residents throughout the Delaware Valley already opening their homes up to visitors, event organizers still needed another way to house the millions of visitors expected in Philadelphia.

Thus was born Francis Fields.

It’s a campground designed to hold up to 16,000 in East Fairmount Park, between the Brewerytown and Strawberry Mansion neighborhoods in Philadelphia.

The site is located just off the Schuylkill River and is about two miles from Eakins Oval, where Pope Francis will give a speech.

A variety of camping options are available, including tent only, tents with a car, and RV’s. All campers must prucahse a camping wristband, which is on sale for $199.

In addition to security patrols, a multilingual translation team will also be on hand to assist the expected wide diversity of visitors.

The following items are prohibited in the campground:

• NO weapons of any kind (regardless of permit)
• NO drugs or drug paraphernalia
• NO glass
• NO fireworks
• NO pets (except service animals with current rabies certification)
• NO wood, charcoal, or propane grills
• NO motorized scooters, ATV’s, or personal golf carts
• NO drones
• NO campfires
• NO large sound systems or amplifiers
• NO unauthorized vending or solicitation

Tickets are available now. To purchase, please visit the Francis Fields Campground official website.