BOSTON (WPRI) — The Celtics are champions once again, and on Friday, hundreds of thousands of fans will gather to celebrate their success.
A rolling rally will be held starting at 11 a.m. Players and coaches will board Boston’s famous duck boats and ride through the city’s downtown area, from TD Garden to Hynes Convention Center.
Whether you’re planning to attend the parade or watch it from home or work, 12 News has you covered. You can watch the parade live on WPRI 12 or streaming live right here on WPRI.com.
Below is what you need to know if you’re heading up to Boston.
Skip to a section: How to get there | Road closures | Weather forecast | Public safety
Parade route
The parade will begin at 11 a.m. on Causeway Street, then turn onto Sanford Street and continue onto Cambridge Street, past City Hall Plaza. The procession will go past Boston Common on Tremont Street and turn onto Boylston Street before ending near Hynes Convention Center.
How do I get there?
Attendees are urged to get into the city using public transportation. The MBTA says it will be running increased subway and commuter rail service for the parade.
The commuter rail starts running inbound trains out of Rhode Island at 6 a.m., with stops in Wickford Junction, T.F. Green Airport, Providence, Pawtucket/Central Falls, South Attleboro, Attleboro, Mansfield and beyond.
Rail riders can get off at either Back Bay or South Station.
- From Back Bay: Take the Orange Line to North Station
- From South Station: Take the Red Line to Park Street and transfer to the Green Line
The MBTA encourages riders to buy roundtrip fare in advance.
The city also has BLUEBikes available to rent.
Parking restrictions
For those who choose to drive into the city on Friday, there will be parking restrictions along the parade route and in the surrounding neighborhoods beginning at midnight Thursday. The roadways will then be fully closed to traffic at 9 a.m.
See a full list of restricted areas on the city’s website.
What’s the weather forecast?
Chief Meteorologist Tony Petrarca says it won’t be quite as hot as Thursday in Boston, but temperatures are still expected to top 80º by late morning, with partly sunny skies.
Paradegoers should plan to dress in lightweight, light-colored clothing, wear sunscreen and stay hydrated.
Tony says it’s expected to cool into the 70s by afternoon, and there will be a chance of a shower or thunderstorm after 2 p.m.
If you’re heading up to Boston, be sure to download the free Pinpoint Weather App for updates on the forecast.
Public safety
To help attendees beat the heat, the city said misting tents and cooling towels will be placed along the parade route.
Boston Police and EMS will have an increased presence throughout the area. City officials stressed that public alcohol consumption will not be tolerated.