The 2024 Democratic National Convention kicks off in less than a week, with Chicago hosting the major event from Aug. 19-22 for the first time since 1996.
With delegates, supporters and protesters from across the country expected to be in attendance and/or near the convention, many Chicago residents are wondering how this will impact their daily lives during the four days of the DNC.
Most events at the convention, including major speeches, will take place at the United Center in the city's Near West Side neighborhood, with extensive street closures and traffic delays expected.
Other events at the upcoming DNC will be held at the McCormick Place, located south of downtown and just east of the city's Chinatown neighborhood.
The security perimeter buildout near both venues began early Monday morning, with preparations ramping up in the coming days prior to widespread street closures this weekend.
Full street closures are slated to begin at 10 p.m. Friday at McCormick Place and at 7 p.m. Saturday for the United Center as part of the schedule.
"Residents are encouraged to plan accordingly and allow extra travel time during the buildout and throughout the week of the convention," officials said.
In addition to the fencing closures, additional closures are anticipated for the week of the convention.
Here are the street closures planned for each location ahead of the DNC:
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United Center – Tentative Security Perimeter Fencing Buildout
Subject to Change
Monday, August 12
· 6 a.m. No Parking (in curb lanes) in all build areas along the security perimeter.
Monday, August 12 – Saturday, August 17
· 8 a.m. Fencing staging and install begins, expect rolling curb lane, full street and alley closures as needed.
Saturday, August 17
· United Center street closures begin at 7 p.m. along the restricted perimeter (security enforced).
United Center Fencing: Staging and Install – Parking Restrictions and Street Closures:
- Monday – build out on Washington: Damen to Wood, Wolcott between Washington & Warren; Paulina: Monroe to Adams
- Tuesday – build out on Washington: Damen to Wood; Wood: Washington to Warren; Warren between Wood and Paulina
- Wednesday – build out on Damen: Washington to Warren; Warren: Damen to Hoyne; Hoyne: Warren to Madison
- Thursday – build out on Adams: Damen to Wood
- Friday– build out on Madison: Hoyne to Seeley; Seeley: Madison to Adams; Damen: Adams to Jackson; Monroe: Wood to Paulina.
Friday, August 23
1 a.m. Take Down begins. Once complete, streets will open.
McCormick Place - Tentative Security Perimeter Fencing Buildout
Subject to Change
Monday, August 12
· 6 a.m. No Parking (in curb lanes) in all build areas along the security perimeter.
· 9 a.m. Fencing staging begins, expect rolling curb lane full street closures.
Tuesday, August 13 – Friday, August 16
· 12:01 a.m. Fencing install begins, expect rolling curb lane, full street and alley closures as needed.
Friday, August 16
· 10 p.m. McCormick Place Street Closures begin, restricted perimeter (security enforced).
McCormick Place Fencing: Staging and Install Parking Restrictions and Street Closures:
- Tuesday – build out on 24th Place: Michigan to McCormick Place; Indiana: 24th Place to 24th St; 24th St; Michigan to Indiana; Michigan: 24th Place to 25th St.; MLK Drive: McCormick to 25th St.
- Wednesday – build out on Indiana: 24th Place to Cermak; Cermak: Indiana to McCormick; 25th St at MLK Dr & McCormick
- Thursday – build out on McCormick: Cermak to MLK Dr.
Thursday, August 22
6 p.m. Take down begins. Once complete, streets will open.
Where will protests occur?
The 2024 DNC will include two basic protest zones, Union Park, located approximately three blocks east of the United Center, and Park #578, which is located slightly closer, just north of the United Center.
Though the smaller of the two protest zones, Park #578 will feature a stage and speakers set up by the city.
