The 2024 DNC in Chicago
AUGUST 8, 2024
The city of Chicago will host the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC) from Monday, August 19 through Thursday, August 22.
City officials say that transportation throughout the city may be challenging beginning on August 12, due to planned street closures and pre-convention events, and continue through the convention.
Here is some information on what to expect.
What areas of the city will be impacted most?
The convention will be held at two locations in the city: The United Center and McCormick Place.
The areas closest to the United Center and McCormick Place will generally see the greatest impact, including a security perimeter set up by the United States Secret Service. See the maps below or the city’s website for more information about street closures in this area.
What additional impacts will there be?
There will likely be unplanned, rolling street closures throughout the city during the convention due to the movement of delegates and elected officials.
What effect will the DNC have on UChicago's campus?
From Monday, August 19 through Thursday, August 22, academic buildings on the Main Quad will be accessible via keycard access only. All active UChicago keycards will be able to open building entrances during regularly scheduled building hours. Contact dss-support@uchicago.edu with any special access requests, e.g., access to buildings for special events during this time.
There may be sporadic motorcade visits to the Obama Presidential Center near the University of Chicago’s Hyde Park campus, which could impact DuSable Lake Shore Drive and other nearby streets.
The Chicago Police Department will restrict parking on both sides of 61st Street between Woodlawn and University Avenues from August 16 until August 24.
Will the DNC affect UGo Shuttles?
The security restrictions for the McCormick Place perimeter will not change the Downtown Campus Connector’s normal route, however there will likely be secondary traffic impacts that could lead to delays. There should be no impact on other campus shuttles beyond sporadic traffic challenges.
You can find real-time information and notifications about UGo Shuttles on PassioGo.
What effect will the DNC have on public transportation?
The CTA’s 192 bus, which runs between UChicago’s Hyde Park campus and Union Station and the Ogilvie Transportation Center, could experience significant delays and may be rerouted due to unplanned rolling street closures. Other CTA buses are expected to be rerouted in and around the United Center and McCormick Place, as well as occasional reroutes throughout the downtown area due to rolling street closures.
At this time, there are no planned impacts on CTA or Metra rail service due to the convention.
Where can I get more information about the DNC’s impact on Chicago?
The City of Chicago has set up a website with additional information about the DNC.
You can also text DNC to 226787 to get live traffic, street closures, and emergency updates from the city of Chicago or download the City of Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management & Communications’ app.
For the latest UChicago safety information, you can sign up for our alerts and notifications on our stay informed webpage or follow UChicagoSafe on X, Instagram, and Facebook.