Chicago has a stunning selection of upcoming events, like this year’s NASCAR Street Race, Lollapalooza, and other large-crowd events at Grant Park, the city is already planning road closures well in advance to accommodate. As such, we’re running you through any possible route changes and street closures, and potential commute issues as the city prepares to host the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
With news of the Democratic National Convention taking place in Chicago this next election year, we’re expecting massive shakeups to our usual Chicago routes. Chicago, which beat out major cities like New York and Atlanta, will once again host the convention for the 12th time.
The evening events will be held from August 19-22nd next year at the United Center, with daytime events happening over at McCormick Place Convention Center.
This isn’t the first time the Democratic National Convention is taking place in Chicago, with the city hosting the convention starting in 1864, 1884, 1892, 1896, 1932, 1940, 1944, 1952, 1956, and of course 1968, and again in 1996.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker of Illinois was told of the news earlier today, with plans in place to welcome President Biden and other political candidates to the city come time. We can only expect the city to close down certain major streets around the United Center to accommodate crowds, increased traffic, and high-ranking politicians. Normal commuters taking N Damen Avenue, W Warren Blvd, and other cross streets could potentially face traffic congestion as crowds gather at the convention center.
The center sits at 1901 W. Madison Street with current CTA routes available on the Orange, Green, Purple, or Brown lines to Madison. Presently, #20 Madison buses run west every few minutes on Madison Street, starting downtown at Wabash Street and making stops at the United Center. It is not currently known whether these bus routes will continue during the August 19-22nd weekend.
Come 2024, this will be the 26th political nominating convention held in Chicago, making it the 1st since 1996 when Democrats renominated Bill Clinton.
We will update you with the latest information regarding exact street closures, route changes, and more as it becomes available. Check out a 30-day map of street closures here.