What's Banned at the Boston Pops Fourth of July Show?

By Laura Herrera

The 40th year of the Boston Pops Firework Spectacular will be marked with an increase in security patrol, video surveillance and bag searches. 

"Open air celebrations are always a concern around the country especially after 9/11," Massachusetts State Police Colonel Timothy Alben said. "With recent events here, it gave us cause to look at [past security protocol] more intensely."

While additional security measures are a result of the Boston Marathon bombings, state police said that no threats have been made regarding July 4 celebrations.

"I want to assure the public that extra steps have been taken to ensure this is a safe place to take their family," Alben said. 

Security measures

According to Massachusetts State Police, there will be an increase in uniformed patrol as well as undercover, plain-clothed officers throughout the event area. 

State police would be visible in yellow vests and authorities have encouraged visitors to "approach them with any concerns."

Additional surveillance cameras will be installed around the Esplanade before the event and used for live monitoring. Alben said the cameras would benefit future events as well as the Fourth of July celebration. 

This year's celebration will also be the first year concert-goers can send anonymous, event-related tips to law enforcement by texting "Boston4" to 67238.

Boston Emergency Medical Services also said that more staff and medical tents will be available throughout the premises. 

Getting in 

For the first time, the Esplanade will be divided into two seperate sections for the Boston Pops July 4 Celebration: "Oval Access" for those who want to watch the concert at the Hatch Shell and "Lagoon Access" for those who want to see the fireworks. 

Event-goers will have to pick between either section of the Esplanade and there will be no access between both areas. 

All bags will be searched at the entrance with metal detector wands. Visitors and bags will be given matching colored wristbands. Allowed items must be checked in at the entrance.

• Oval Access to the Hatch Shell: Entrance to the Hatch Shell will be located between the Clarendon foot bridge and the Berkley foot bridge most accessible from Berkley Street. 
• Lagoon Access: The checkpoint for the lagoon and island areas of the Esplanade can be accessed from the Claredon, Exeter and Fairfield foot bridges on July 3. On July 4, the Fairfield foot bridge will be exit only.

What's allowed, what's banned

Securty personnel at the entrances will check for these prohibited items:

• Backpacks
• Weapons
• Fireworks
• Glass containers
• Coolers with wheels
• Cans
• Pre-mixed beverages
• Grills

Allowed items include:

• Blankets/tarps no larger than 10' x 12'
• Pop-up tents/canopies without sides
• Folding chairs
• Shoulder strap or single handle coolers
• Small clutch bags and purses
• Personal items must be in clear bags

On July 4, no items will be allowed into the event after 4 p.m.

Transportation

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority officials are encouraging Boston Pops celebration visitors to arrive at the Esplanade by MBTA transportation. 

The T will add extra services on all lines for July 4 especially during "rush hour" from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. No fare will be charged after 9:30 p.m., and the last outbound train will leave at 12:50 a.m. 

The commuter rail will operate on a Saturday schedule, and the Middleborough and Newburyport lines will cease operation during the fireworks display. They will resume after the fireworks end. 

Schedule

Wednesday, July 3 Concert

• 4 p.m. Oval opens 
• 7:30 p.m. Concert begins 
• 9 p.m. Concert ends
• No fireworks display on July 3

Thursday, July 4 Concert and Fireworks

• 10 a.m. Oval entrance checkpoint opens 
• 6 p.m. WBZ AM 1030 and WCRB 99.5 FMM broadcast begins 
• 7 p.m. 89.7 WGBH Boston Public Radio simulcast and WBZ-TV broadcast begins
• 7:30 p.m. Concert begins 
• 9:30 p.m. Fireworks begin 
• 10 p.m. Concert and fireworks end