Chicago DNC 2024 security fences coming down, streets reopening as officials celebrate success

Some streets will be closed in downtown Chicago near hotels where Democratic National Convention delegates and attendees will be staying, as well as for various parties and events, OEMC said.

Barricades have been set up near the Park Hyatt Hotel on Saturday.

Barricades have been set up near the Park Hyatt Hotel on Saturday.

Residents and visitors should expect heavy traffic and limited vehicular access to the following streets on the following days:
-N. Wabash from E, Chestnut to E Delaware Place from Sunday, August 18 through Wednesday, Aug. 21
-E. Huron Street from N. Michigan to N. Rush from Sunday, August 18 through Friday, Aug. 23
- E. Chicago from N. Michigan Avenue to N. Rush Street from Sunday, August 18 through Friday, Aug. 23
-E .Delaware Place from N. State to N. Rush on Tuesday, Aug. 20
-N. Rush from E. Delaware Place to E. Walton on Tuesday, Aug. 20
-E Walton from N State to N Rush on Tuesday, Aug. 20.
-N State from E Delaware to E Walton on Tuesday, Aug. 20.

Ahead of the Democratic National Convention, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker hosted a welcome luncheon.

The event, called "Thank You Illinois," began at 11:30 a.m. Saturday on the Near South Side.

The luncheon is being held near the McCormick Place, which is one of two convention sites along with the United Center on the West Side.

Community leaders, politicians and volunteers were thanked for their contributions in setting up the DNC.

A 15-foot buffer zone around the entire security perimeter of the United Center and McCormick Place goes into effect at midnight.

The buffer zone prohibits people from possessing laptops, tripods, selfie sticks, large bags and suitcases, sealed packages, drones and unmanned aircraft systems, bicycles, scooters, folding chairs, balloons, coolers, glass thermal or metal containers, umbrellas, pointed objects including knives, animals other than service/guide animals, aerosols, tobacco products (including e-cigarettes), firearms, ammunition, fireworks, laser pointers, pepper spray, toy weapons, tents and structures and more within that buffer zone or any other secured area.

The buffer zone will remain in place until 12:01 a.m. Monday, August 26.

Meet three of the Black-owned businesses behind the elaborate DNC production inside the United Center.

From furniture to banners to hospitality and more, these local businesses are making their mark at a historic Democratic Convention.

At least three Black-owned Chicago production and event companies are behind the history-making 2024 Democratic National Convention starting Monday.