The 2024 Democratic Party Convention begins in less than a week. From August 19 to 22, Chicago will host this major event for the first time since 1996.
With delegates, supporters and protesters from across the country expected to attend and/or near the convention, many Chicagoans are wondering what impact this will have on their daily lives during the four days of the DNC.
Most of the convention’s events, including key speeches, will take place at the United Center on the city’s Near West Side. Extensive street closures and traffic delays are expected.
Additional events of the upcoming DNC will take place at McCormick Place, which is south of downtown and east of the Chinatown district.
The expansion of the security area near both venues began early Monday morning. Preparations will be intensified in the coming days before extensive road closures are implemented this weekend.
As part of the schedule, the full street closure is scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. on Friday at McCormick Place and at 7 p.m. on Saturday at the United Center.
“Residents are asked to plan accordingly and allow additional travel time during setup and during the week of the convention,” officials said.
In addition to the fence closures, additional closures are expected during the week of the convention.
Here are the road closures planned for each location before the DNC:
United Center – Temporary expansion of security fencing
Subject to change
Monday, August 12
· 6:00 a.m.: No parking (on the verges) in all built-up areas along the security perimeter.
Monday, August 12th – Saturday, August 17th
· 8:00 a.m.: Start of the erection and installation of the fences. Expect that verges and entire streets and alleys will be closed if necessary.
Saturday, August 17
· United Center road closures will begin at 7:00 p.m. along the restricted area (safety measures will be in place).
United Center Fencing: Construction and Installation – Parking Restrictions and Road Closures:
- Monday – Expansion to Washington: Damen to Wood, Wolcott between Washington and Warren; Paulina: Monroe to Adams
- Tuesday – Expansion to Washington: Damen to Wood; Wood: Washington to Warren; Warren between Wood and Paulina
- Wednesday – Expansion to Damen: Washington to Warren; Warren: Damen to Hoyne; Hoyne: Warren to Madison
- Thursday – Expansion to Adams: Women to Wood
- Friday– Expansion to Madison: Hoyne to Seeley; Seeley: Madison to Adams; Damen: Adams to Jackson; Monroe: Wood to Paulina.
Friday, August 23
1 a.m.: Dismantling begins. Once it is completed, the streets will be opened.
McCormick Place – Temporary expansion of security perimeter
Subject to change
Monday, August 12
· 6:00 a.m.: No parking (on the verges) in all built-up areas along the security perimeter.
· 9:00 a.m.: Fence construction begins. Partial closure of the roadside is expected.
Tuesday, August 13 – Friday, August 16
· 00:01 a.m. Start of construction of the fence. Expect that verges and entire streets and alleys will be closed if necessary.
Friday, August 16
· 10:00 p.m.: Road closures begin at McCormick Place, limited perimeter (safety measures will be implemented).
McCormick Place Fencing: Preparation and installation of parking restrictions and road closures:
- Tuesday – Expansion on 24.th Location: Michigan to McCormick Place; Indiana: 24th Space up to 24th 24.th St; Michigan to Indiana; Michigan: 24th Space up to 25th St.; MLK Drive: McCormick until 25th St.
- Wednesday – Expansion in Indiana: 24th Place at Cermak; Cermak: Indiana to McCormick; 25th St. at MLK Dr & McCormick
- Thursday – Expansion to McCormick: Cermak to MLK Dr.
Thursday, August 22
6:00 p.m. Dismantling begins. As soon as it is completed, the streets will be opened.
