CHICAGO (WLS) — In the run-up to the 2024 Democratic National Convention, a safety distance around the United Center and McCormick Place will go into effect at midnight on Friday.

The security perimeter includes a 15-foot buffer around McCormick Place and the United Center and includes Union Park and Park 578, where large-scale protests are planned. The CHA parking lot next to Park 578 is also included.

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Within this area, you must not push, pull or transport any vehicle, cart or floating device, or throw any object. You must also not carry any object that is considered a potential safety hazard, including large bags and suitcases, laptops, sealed packages, drones, animals other than service/guide dogs, bicycles, scooters, folding chairs, balloons, coolers, glass, thermal or metal containers, umbrellas with metal tips, tobacco products including e-cigarettes, lighters, matches, firearms, ammunition, fireworks, tents and structures, and sharp objects of any kind including knives.

By issuing the ordinance banning these items in the demonstration zones, CPD says it is in accordance with city ordinances and violations can result in jail time.

The safety restrictions and limitations will remain in effect until Monday, August 26, 00:01.

LIVE BLOG: Chicago DNC road closures, preparations continue; protests planned for weekend

The emergency services also worked to set up vehicle checkpoints around McCormick Place. There, vehicles in the area around the convention center will be checked on Friday night into Saturday.

“Hopefully the checkpoints will go more smoothly than I thought because I’ll be driving to work this week, but I’m glad they’re taking this seriously,” said South Loop resident Melinda Fried.

“Personally, I think it’s a little over the top, but I’d rather have too much than too little, so it works for me,” said South Loop resident William Burns.

The area around the United Center was reinforced with 2.5-meter-high fences and concrete barriers.

North Wood Street near West Washington Boulevard is now blocked off and cordoned off by road gritting vehicles, preventing traffic from entering the area.

“As far as public safety goes, we have law enforcement at every level, city, state, county, not to mention federal. We also have the Secret Service, the FBI. We even have the military because this is a national security event,” said Governor Pritzker.

The street closures went into effect around the United Center at 10 p.m. Thursday night and will go into effect near McCormick Place at 7 p.m. Saturday. Fence has also been put up around McCormick Place as workers there prepare to close those streets.

City officials point out that residents should also be prepared for some sidewalks to be closed during the convention.

If you plan to go to the convention and would like to use a ride share, you will find a drop-off and pick-up point at the corner of Madison and Paulina at the United Center and on Wabash between 23rd and 24th streets near McCormick Place.

The city administration is also warning residents to expect further road closures due to protests and demonstrations.

Road closures at United Center and McCormick Place

United Center, currently valid:
-West Washington Boulevard from Damen Avenue to South Wood Street
-Damen Avenue from Jackson Boulevard to West Washington Boulevard
-West Warren Boulevard from North Leavitt Street to South Paulina Street
-West Madison Street from North Leavitt Street to South Paulina Street
-West Monroe Street from South Seeley Avenue to South Paulina Street
-West Adams Street from South Seeley Avenue to South Paulina Street
-South Honore Street from West Monroe Street to West Adams Street
-South Wood Street from West Washington Boulevard to West Jackson Boulevard
-South Seeley Avenue from West Madison Street to West Adams Street

McCormick Place, valid from Saturday 7pm:
-Indiana Avenue from 18th to E. 24th Place
– Michigan Avenue from 21st to 25th Street
-Cermak Road from Wabash Avenue to MLK Drive
-23rd Street from Wabash Avenue to Indiana Avenue
-Prairie Avenue from Cullerton Street to 24th Place
-24th Street from Wabash Avenue to Indiana Avenue
-Calumet Avenue from Cullerton Street to 24th Place
-24th Place from Wabash Avenue to MLK Drive
-MLK ride from Cermak Road to 25th Street
– E 21st Street closed from S. Michigan Avenue to S. Calumet Avenue.
– E 21st St is open west of S Michigan Avenue to and including S Wabash Avenue and E 21st.