Thousands attend Obama Center opening ceremony; center opens to public Friday | LIVE Updates

On Friday morning, as the Obama Presidential Center opens its doors to the people and the community, many of the streets and sidewalks that were closed on Thursday will be open.

Although, there will still be some traffic and sidewalk restrictions on Midway Plaisance, Dorchester, and 60th streets. ABC7 expects that many street and sidewalk closures will be lifted by 6 a.m.

Residents and visitors alike are being advised about increased traffic and should plan accordingly.

Residents and visitors alike are being advised about increased traffic and should plan accordingly.

The Chicago Police Department and the city's Office of Emergency Management and Communications are reminding everyone that security measures are still in place and may cause delays.

Meanwhile, the excitement continues as many of the thousands who attended the watch party yesterday will be some of the first from the public who gets to experience the living legacy of America's 44th president and the nation's first African American president.

City and center officials strongly urge anyone heading over to the center to take public transportation not only for Friday's public opening, but also the weekend's Juneteenth celebrations.

The historic Obama Presidential Center grand opening Thursday drew thousands to Jackson Park on Chicago's South Side.

The historic Obama Presidential Center grand opening Thursday drew thousands to Jackson Park on Chicago's South Side.

Many in the local community said they are delighted and inspired by the new museum.

The Obama Presidential Center grand opening Thursday in Jackson Park on Chicago's South Side delighted the local community.

The Obama Center will open to the public on Friday, Juneteenth.

Thousands of people streamed out of Midway Plaisance shortly after 2 p.m., with attendees and observers describing the afternoon as relatively orderly despite the size of the crowd.

Even with a maze of nearby street closures, both pedestrian and vehicle traffic appeared to move steadily.

Watch party attendees said it was easy to get in and out of the event.

Attendees said travel to and from the event was easier than expected, with many opting for public transportation. A Metra stop and CTA bus stops located near Midway Plaisance helped accommodate the crowds, contributing to what some called a smooth experience.

"It was not what I expected at all. I was definitely expecting something that was going to be chaotic and hard to get in. It was very smooth," said Princess Shaw, who attended the watch party.

Others said they anticipated heavy congestion and planned accordingly by avoiding driving.

"We did prepare for a lot of traffic, and that's why we didn't bring the car. We took the train. So much easier just to get on the train, and Metra just recently opened up a lot of new times for people on the South Side to be able to get to the Obama Center," said Daniel Bobo-Jones, another attendee.

Security and organization at the site also drew positive feedback.

"Getting in was easy. Security was great, had no problems. You felt safe. You know, there was no drama, no anything," said Genores Robinson, who attended the event.

While many relied on public transit, at least one attendee reported being able to arrive by car shortly before the watch party began and find parking nearby on 59th Street.

Thousands attended a watch party on Chicago's South Side Thursday for the opening ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center.

Nancy Nettsi Hardy Rogers said she got there at 6 a.m. and was among the first allowed in.

Thousands attended the Obama Center opening ceremony watch party Thursday.

"I am overwhelmed to see the people, the community come to the South Side of Chicago. I'm from the South Side, and I'm enjoying it," Nettsi Hardy Rogers said.

Music and dance parties popped up all over the lawn.

"Much fun, there was free food. My friends and I are dancing; it's a beautiful day. God blessed us with with a beautiful day," Laura Cabral said.

"It's been overwhelmingly fun; there's been dance. There have been all sorts of performers we would have never gotten to hear before all together," Karen Riel said.

Those who attended said they felt like they were part of what the Obamas created in Jackson Park.

"This has been electrifying; it is exciting to see all the growth and movement on the South Side. We're excited about the playground; we are excited about the library. It's a great place to be; it's just a ray of sunshine and hope," Lana McKinney said.