What to know about the DNC in Chicago

CHICAGO (NewsNation) — Leading up to the 2024 Democratic National Convention, the city of Chicago is preparing for an influx of people, including Vice President Kamala Harris, the convention’s delegates and an estimated 30,000 protesters.

The four-day convention kicks off Aug. 19, a month after the conclusion of the 2024 Republican National Convention.

Harris became the official nominee of the Democratic Party on Aug. 2 following a virtual roll call in which she secured enough delegates to get the nomination. Harris has since announced Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate.

Parking restrictions for the DNC

In the areas around the United Center and McCormick Place, some roads will be closed to cars and pedestrians, and some will be closed just to cars. These roads will also be closed to car services such as Uber.

Those who live in places where cars or pedestrians are prohibited will still be able to go in and out of their homes, and they will also be allowed guests as long as those guests have photo ID.

Starting Saturday, the neighborhood around the United Center will be closed to pedestrians, as will all of the United Center parking lots. The area between Damen and Wood Street from West Adams south to Jackson Boulevard, and from Monroe Street south to Adams will be closed to vehicles.

Map of road restrictions near the United Center for the Democratic National Convention (via U.S. Department of Homeland Security)

Starting Friday, the neighborhood around McCormick Place will be closed to vehicles from I-55 north to East 21st Street and from Michigan Avenue east to the McCormick Place Busway. McCormick Place and the surrounding streets will be closed to pedestrians without popper credentials.

Map of road restrictions near McCormick Place for the Democratic National Convention (via U.S. Department of Homeland Security)

Public transportation for DNC

The city of Chicago is recommending that people use public transportation over other alternatives. Chicago has three main transportation agencies: Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) “L” train and buses, Metra and Pace buses.

Delegates to the convention will be able to take shuttles, which are accessible CTA city buses, to the United Center and McCormick Place. According to the c ity, taking the shuttle is the best way to get to each venue because riders will be dropped off close to the buildings.

DNC security measures and checkpoints

The U.S. Secret Service is in charge of coordinating security efforts for the DNC because the U.S. Department of Homeland Security designated both parties’ conventions as National Special Security Events.

The Secret Service has been working with federal, state and local law enforcement to ensure the safety of the convention delegates, guests and the public.

A security perimeter including law enforcement and physical barriers will require vehicles and pedestrians passing through certain points to provide identification for security screening.

Businesses and residents within or near the security perimeter of McCormick Place should expect restrictions to take effect on Friday, Aug. 16, and those within or near the United Center security perimeter should expect restrictions to start on Aug. 17. Before those days, there may be some disruptions as necessary construction is completed.

DNC protests expected

Officials are expecting an estimated 30,000 protesters with the coalition march on the DNC. The coalition is made up of more than 200 organizations with causes ranging from reproductive rights to environmental issues.

The group aims to highlight the suffering of the Palestinian people and call for an end to the war in Gaza. They are demanding that the U.S. cut off funding to Israel.

As the group has been preparing for the event, so has the Chicago Police Department and the rest of the city. A federal judge is set to make a ruling to determine where protesters were allowed to go.

What to know about the United Center, other venues

According to the DNC’s official website, Chicago’s United Center will hold all official proceedings, primetime programming and speeches for the 2024 DNC. United Center has hosted 70 million guests since it opened in 1994, including the 1996 DNC.

United Center is also home to two Chicago sports teams, the Chicago Blackhawks and the Chicago Bulls. The arena will host over 200 events this year, including the DNC.

According to the DNC’s website, daytime meetings, briefings and other business will be at McCormick Place. Hotels at the McCormick Place campus will also serve as the headquarters hotel for Democratic staff and media.

McCormick Place hosts over 200 conferences each year that draw almost two million people and generate an estimated $1.8 billion in economic impact.

DNC schedule and highlights

The official schedule for the DNC has not yet been determined, but Vice President Harris and Gov. Walz are expected to deliver speeches after ceremonially accepting their nominations.

A source confirmed to NewsNation that President Joe Biden is supposed to deliver an address to the convention during the first night.

Speeches from former President Bill Clinton and Barack Obama are also expected, as well as one by second husband Doug Emhoff. There are also possible appearances from other major party figures.

Former First Lady and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is also slated to speak.

Tips for attendees

For those attending the convention, being prepared is essential. Both United Center and McCormick Place will have restrictions on what someone can bring to the convention, but here are some recommendations.

Wear comfortable walking shoes: The convention is four days long and includes many different events, so there will be a lot of walking. Making sure to wear comfortable walking shoes can prevent some major discomfort.
Smaller accessories: Both the United Center and McCormick Place have strict restrictions on bags, so limiting what you have to bring inside is imperative. One recommendation is to carry a smaller wallet or lanyard that can hold your ID and any cards you may need to carry.
Portable charger: The days will be long and full, so making sure your phone doesn’t die is important. A portable charger is also usually small enough to carry in a pocket or a small bag.
Dress for the weather: Chicago is usually hot and humid in August, but there could be rain, so make sure to be prepared. It could also be cold inside the venue to combat the heat outside, so layers could be a good idea.