PHILADELPHIA — The City of Brotherly Love is becoming the City of Big Events.

Philadelphia’s selection Thursday as host of next year’s Democratic National Convention comes as it prepares for Pope Francis’ visit in September.

“We are both prepared and fired up,” said a giddy Mayor Michael Nutter. “We’re going to have a rocking good time.”

U.S. Rep. Bob Brady, who led Philadelphia’s convention bid, said now it’s time for the city to roll up its sleeves and show itself off as a world-class host.

“We got the best show in town,” Brady said.

South Philadelphia’s stadium and arena complex is close to the airport, and shuttles can run up and down Broad Street to the hotels in downtown, Brady said.

And the city has its historical landmarks such as Independence Hall and the National Constitution Center to show off: Nutter led the DNC chairman, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., and convention planners on a tour of venues and historical sites two weeks ago.

In addition to infrastructure such as 11,000 hotel rooms and an extensive mass transit network, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., said Philadelphia’s success in hosting the 2000 Republican National Convention seemed to give it a crucial advantage over the other Democratic finalists, Brooklyn in New York and Columbus, Ohio.