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In October of 2024, Philadelphia became one of five cities across the world to receive a “portal” to the world, a “real-time, unfiltered livestream 24/7, inviting people to meet above borders and differences.” The video portal is located in historic Love Park and allows locals to connect with people on the other end of the portal in Lithuania, Poland, Ireland and Brazil.
During the first week of the portal’s existence, it saw things such as Philly Elmo and the drumline on camera, multiple dance battles between an Irishman and Philadelphians, and an OnlyFans model who flashed a bunch of unsuspecting onlookers.
But some things aren’t for public consumption, which is why Philadelphia police covered up the portal and blocked off Love park prior to the Philadelphia Eagles winning the Super Bowl and fans flooding Broad Street for celebrations.
Also, the world will not see how we celebrate tonight, the Portal has been covered over and it looks like police will block off Love Park, City Hall and MSB pic.twitter.com/kUxn3w1Cnr
— Stephanie Farr (@FarFarrAway) February 9, 2025
That turned out to be a smart idea. As it turns out, Philadelphians were every bit as crazy as you’d expect after their beloved Eagles won Super Bowl LIX. The scenes on and around Broad Street included multiple dumpster fires, a moving truck full of towels that was taken over by the crowd, several fights and lots and lots of alcohol. And that’s just the things that were documented.
Fans warming themselves by a second fire in a dumpster. A dumpster fire. pic.twitter.com/1y6ey7GHTA
— Stephanie Farr (@FarFarrAway) February 10, 2025
Ultimately, the portal was likely closed due to concerns of damage to the structure. That was probably a smart idea. But it’s also probably best that the rest of the world not be subjected to Philadelphia at its most chaotic.