'ABC7 Presents the 2024 Auto Show' gives inside look at McCormick Place event
CHICAGO (WLS) -- It's time to get revved up to find your dream car when ABC7 Chicago gives a preview of The 2024 Chicago Auto Show on Saturday, Feb. 10, at 6 p.m. with encore presentations that evening at midnight as well as Sunday, Feb. 11, at 4:30 p.m. on ABC 7.
Hosted by ABC 7 anchors Ravi Baichwal and Ryan Chiaverini with contributions from Tracy Butler, Roz Varon and Val Warner, this half-hour special spotlights all of the bells and whistles that come with some of the most spectacular cars, trucks and SUVs the industry has to offer. The special will also stream live, exclusively on abc7chicago.com and wherever ABC 7 programming is streamed.
The 2024 Chicago Auto Show runs from Feb. 10-19 at McCormick Place. Doors open each day at 10 a.m. Closing times vary, so be sure to check the show's website for details.
From cool cars to cute puppies looking for a forever home, the Chicago Auto Show has it all! Hosts Baichwal and Chiaverini will highlight all the must-see attractions The 2024 Chicago Auto Show has to offer.
They're back! The indoor and outdoor test tracks are fan favorites. What could be more thrilling than jumping behind the wheel of a great new car, truck or SUV from Ford, Kia and Subaru? Baichwal will take viewers along for the ride on the Chicago Drives Electric Indoor Test Track ranging from luxury to mainstream, nearly double the brand participation over last year. Butler will check out Ford's popular "Built Wild" indoor test track featuring the Bronco, and Varon will show off the Hyundai indoor EV test track. Val Warner goes outdoors to capture the feel of the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness during a test drive on the streets of Chicago.
There's no better way to scout out all the cool things at the Chicago Auto Show than taking a tour of the floor with 11-year-old reporter Sydney OBrill, who will showcase what's new and fun for the entire family to enjoy.
Butler will highlight women who are a driving force in the automotive industry. The special will reveal the winner of this year's "What Drives Her" Award, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association's effort to recognize and award outstanding female professionals within the industry.
The 2024 Chicago Auto Show special returns for the 10th year to ABC 7 through a partnership with the Chicago Automobile Trade Association and ABC 7 Chicago - pairing the most-watched television station in Chicago with the largest auto show in North America. This year will mark the 116th edition of the show. First Look for Charity, kicking off the auto show on Friday, Feb. 9, has raised more than $60 million for local charities over the years.
Attendees have a chance to win a 2024 Chevrolet Blazer, and fine food and beverages will be provided by more than 20 local restaurants throughout the evening.
"We are partnering up with a lot of our local folks, sustainability, some of our farm folks, to be able to bring in roughly 500, no 5,000, small plates for this event, which is going to be fantastic," said Jack Lyon with Oak View Group Catering.
For tickets, go to www.chicagoautoshow.com/first-look-for-charity/buy-tickets.
On Jan. 9, organizers previewed the black tie event at "First Bites."
At McCormick Place, food partners who will be sharing their creations at First Look for Charity were on-hand to get people thinking about the event that has raised millions over 32 years for Chicago charities.
"FLFC provides a great night of food and fun, and it's all for a good cause; people can get dressed up in black tie, put that tuxedo on, that ballgown, and come out for a great night," said Jennifer Morand, general manager of the Chicago Auto Show.
Eight thousand people will do just that in the North Hall of McCormick Place.
Even with Stellantis sitting out this year, there will be three test tracks at the auto show, including one focusing on electric vehicles.
"We have eight brands on our new indoor electric track: Chicago Drives Electric. Last year, we had five, so that is kind of increasing. Also, we are proud to have Ford back. They have their Built Wild track with the Broncs, and we also have Hyundai indoor EV tracks," Morand said.
The 2024 Chicago Auto Show special will be broadcast on ABC 7's 7.1, available on the ABC 7 News App and will also be available on-demand on ABC7Chicago.com.
Go to Chicagoautoshow.com for tickets.
About ABC7/WLS-TV Chicago
ABC7/WLS-TV Chicago is the No. 1 local news source and most-watched television station in Chicago. With top-rated daily newscasts spanning decades and the largest social media presence in the market with more than 2.6 million Facebook followers, ABC7 Eyewitness News provides breaking news, investigative reporting, weather, politics, traffic and sports in the multiplatform space toChicago, the suburbs and northwest Indiana. NamedBest News Operationby the Associated Press for four consecutive years, ABC 7 Eyewitness News produces "Chicago Proud," a series of features that spotlights everyday heroes in and around Chicago.The station also produces the highest-rated New Year's Eve special in Chicago,holiday kickoff special "The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival,"syndicated to a national audience, as well as the award-winning program series "Our Chicago," which showcases the city's diversityand highlights contributions in the Black, Hispanic, Asian, LGBTQ+ communities, among others.Every Friday, "Windy City Weekend" entertains while giving Chicagoans everything they need to know about what's happening in the city. ABC 7 is the only Chicago station producing and broadcasting parades representing Chicago's rich cultural history. In addition to producing town halls focused on current social issues, the station has a long and proud tradition of broadcasting political candidate debates keeping Chicago'selectorate informed.ABC7's outreach efforts include annual partnerships with the Red Cross for life-saving blood drives, one of the biggest one-day drives in the country and, most recently, spearheading an effort to raise more than $1.5 million for area food pantries.
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