DNC security restrictions at United Center, McCormick Place start at midnight; car screenings soon

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A security footprint around the United Center and McCormick Place goes into effect at midnight Friday ahead of the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

The security footprint area encompasses a 15-foot buffer around the perimeter of McCormick Place and the United Center, and includes Union Park and Park 578, where large-scale protests are planned. The CHA parking lot next to Park 578 is also included.

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Within this area you cannot "push, pull or transport any vehicle, cart or float" or throw any item. You are also not allow to possess any item deemed a potential safety hazard, including large bags and suitcases as well as laptops, sealed packages, drones, animals other than service/guide dogs, bicycles, scooters, folding chairs, balloons, coolers, glass, thermal or metal containers, umbrellas with metal tips, tobacco products including e-cigarettes, lighters, matches, firearms, ammunition, fireworks, tents and structures, and pointed objects of any kind, including knives.

In issuing those rules prohibiting those items from the demonstration zones, CPD says they're in accordance with city ordinance. Violators could face jail time.

The security restrictions and footprint will remain in place until 12:01 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 26.

LIVE BLOG: Chicago DNC street closures, preparations continue; protests planned for weekend

Crews also worked to set up vehicle screening checkpoints around the McCormick Place, which will start screening cars in the area around the convention center as early as Friday night into Saturday morning.

"Hopefully the checkpoints go smoother than I thought, because I'll be driving to work this week, but I'm glad they're taking it seriously," said Melinda Fried, South Loop resident.

"Personally I think it's a little overkill, but I'd rather have overkill than not enough, so it works for me," said William Burns, South Loop resident.

The area around the United Center has become more fortified with eight-foot-tall fences and concrete barriers.

North Wood Street near West Washington Boulevard is now blocked by salt trucks and gated off, locking out traffic.

"On the public safety side, we've got every level of law enforcement, from the city, from the state, from the county, and don't forget the federal level. Also, we've got the Secret Service, the FBI. We even have military, because it's a national security event," said Gov. Pritzker.

Road closures went into place Thursday night at 10 p.m. around the United Center, and will go into effect near McCormick Place Saturday at 7 p.m. There is also fencing around McCormick Place as crews there prepare to shut down those roads.

City officials say residents should also be prepared for some sidewalks to be closed during the convention.

If you are planning on going to the convention and hope to use a rideshare, a drop off and pick up point is located at Madison and Paulina at the United Center and on Wabash between 23rd and 24th Street near McCormick Place.

City officials are also warning residents to be prepared for other rolling road closures because of any protests and marches.

Road closures at the United Center and McCormick Place

United Center, in effect now:
-West Washington Boulevard from Damen Avenue to South Wood Street
-Damen Avenue from Jackson Boulevard to West Washington Boulevard
-West Warren Boulevard from North Leavitt Street to South Paulina Street
-West Madison Street from North Leavitt Street to South Paulina Street
-West Monroe Street from South Seeley Avenue to South Paulina Street
-West Adams Street from South Seeley Avenue to South Paulina Street
-South Honore Street from West Monroe Street to West Adams Street
-South Wood Street from West Washington Boulevard to West Jackson Boulevard
-South Seeley Avenue from West Madison Street to West Adams Street

McCormick Place, in effect Saturday at 7 p.m.:
-Indiana Avenue from 18th to E. 24th Place
- Michigan Avenue from 21st to 25th Street
-Cermak Road from Wabash Avenue to MLK Drive
-23rd Street from Wabash Avenue to Indiana Avenue
-Prairie Avenue from Cullerton Street to 24th Place
-24th Street from Wabash Avenue to Indiana Avenue
-Calumet Avenue from Cullerton Street to 24th Place
-24th Place from Wabash Avenue to MLK Drive
-MLK Drive from Cermak Rd. to 25th Street
- E 21st Street closed from, and inclusive of, S. Michigan Avenue to S. Calumet Avenue.
- E 21st St is open from west of S Michigan Avenue to inclusive of S Wabash Avenue and E 21st.