As September comes to an end, Chicago is gearing up to host several large gatherings and events that will captivate the city. The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is advising residents and visitors to take heed of street closures, plan for increased traffic, and be mindful of potential impacts from these events, according to an announcement from the city.
In preparation for the upcoming events, the OEMC will be monitoring conditions from the Operations Center and coordinating public safety resources with critical stakeholders when necessary. Traffic Control Aides (TCAs) will also be present at select events in the city, helping to direct the flow and alleviate the impact on increased traffic.
Yesterday, the Chicago Blackhawks played their first preseason home game at United Center against the St. Louis Blues, with gates opening at 6 p.m. The highly anticipated Red Bull Showrun will take place today, September 29 at the same venue, marking the first time the event has been held in Chicago. Its showcase of the Formula 1 car is expected to draw a large crowd, and fans are encouraged to arrive early and be prepared for limited access after 6 p.m. The event will also necessitate some street closures in surrounding areas.
At Guaranteed Rate Field, the Chicago White Sox will host their final homestand of the season, playing against the Diamondbacks and the Padres between September 28 and October 1, according to the city's announcement. Gates will open 90 minutes ahead of each game, and parking lots will open two hours prior to game start time. Additional information on this event can be found on the White Sox's official site.
Tomorrow, the 18th annual Race to Wrigley 5K Charity Run is set to take place, beginning in the Lakeview neighborhood and ending on the steps of the iconic Wrigley Field Marquee. This event will also result in several street closures, as mentioned in the city's announcement. That same day, the United Center will host a Peter Gabriel concert, with gates opening at 6:30 p.m. and the show scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.
For those looking to catch some NFL action, the Chicago Bears will be playing the Denver Broncos at Soldier Field on October 1. Parking lots open at 8 a.m, gates at 10 a.m, followed by the noon kick-off. Fans who plan to attend are reminded of Soldier Field’s NFL clear bag policy, which should be checked in advance on the Chicago Bears' site.
Given the increase in events, rideshare users should be cautious when entering and exiting vehicles in the city, obeying all DuSable Lake Shore Drive regulations. Attendees of the various events are also encouraged to utilize public transportation for a more affordable, convenient, and environmentally friendly travel experience.
The OEMC is urging all Chicagoans to be on the lookout for potential safety hazards and to report any suspicious activity they witness, citing the importance of the "If You See Something, Say Something™" national anti-terrorism campaign. Although the city has not received any specific actionable threats, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a heightened threat advisory, warning that "lone offenders and small groups motivated by a range of ideological beliefs and personal grievances continue to pose a persistent threat to the United States."
To aid preparedness and event goers should consider downloading the Chicago OEMC App, a public safety tool available for both Apple and Android devices that provides safety information, preparedness tips, emergency alerts, and weather updates. Sign up for NotifyChicago alerts is also strongly recommended for up-to-date emergency notifications, lakefront notices, and alerts affecting businesses.
As Chicago prepares for the end of September and the arrival of these large-scale events, residents and visitors are encouraged to remain vigilant, consider public transportation options and plan their travel accordingly. By staying informed and proactive, Chicagoans can ensure that they enjoy these events safely and responsibly, embracing the city's vibrant character and diverse offerings.
