The Philly portal appeared in LOVE Park on Friday, prompting speculation over the hijinks that may ensue. Public nudity, drug use, and other assorted misdeeds temporarily shut down portals in New York City and Dublin in the past.
As of Tuesday morning, the time for speculation is over. And the time for hijinks is now.
"What may seem like a simple camera is actually a gateway," said city executive Michael Newmuis at a 10:00 a.m. opening ceremony. "A direct connection to cities, people, and cultures across the world. The portal offers a glimpse into the future and what's possible."
The Philly Portal Is officially open @LOVEParkPhilly Hello Dublin @RTERadio1 pic.twitter.com/z29IZXOwvU
There's a "Go Birds!" shout from the crowd at 0:34. Classic.
Early portal installations connected live streams from two cities 24/7. The stream at the Philly portal, however, is expected to rotate through cities such as Dublin and Vilnius every few minutes. That's how the other portals seem to be functioning at the moment, as well:
Dublin City Council are delighted to announce the Dublin Portal is now linked to Philadelphia in the USA. The Portal is Philadelphia is located in the city's JFK Plaza. The livestream will now alternate every 3 minutes between Dublin, Vilnius, Lublin and Philadelphia. pic.twitter.com/90KhztUC96
The portal was visibly cracked during installation, but is expected to be repaired soon.
"Like the Liberty Bell, there is a small crack, but that's not going to stop us from making history through this incredible, beautiful portal," said Newmuis.
The city is off to a great start, sharing its fine culture with friends around the globe:
Behold The Pretzel #phillyportal pic.twitter.com/QcPBeEXWLf
The portal is sure to provide incredible entertainment before it is sadly and inevitably destroyed.
that philly portal going right down broad street the moment we win a championship pic.twitter.com/3AWLWkZEwA
