The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications today announced the public safety measures that will be in place for the 2020 NBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago, beginning Thursday, February 13 and culminating with the 69th NBA All-Star Game at the United Center on Sunday, February 16.

"We are excited to partner with the NBA to host the NBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago – home of the Chicago Bulls, who have such a storied legacy of winning NBA championships and producing legends,” said Rich Guidice, Executive Director of the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC). “While residents and fans enjoy the festivities, the City and NBA have coordinated our public safety planning to ensure a positive and memorable experience for everyone.”

Team captains Lebron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo will headline the NBA All-Star 2020 game. The 2020 NBA All-Star uniforms will feature the Chicago star prominently on the front and will pay tribute to the late Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and their seven friends and teammates who tragically passed away in a recent helicopter accident. The 2020 NBA All-Star Game will feature Team LeBron (James) wearing the No. 2 and Team Giannis (Antetokounmpo) wearing the No. 24 – Gianna and Kobe’s basketball jersey numbers, respectively.

NBA All-Star 2020 activities will take place at various venues throughout the weekend, including:

NBA Crossover at Navy Pier

Feb. 14 – 16, 2020 | Navy Pier
Takes place at Navy Pier all weekend long, showcasing the NBA’s connection to pop culture, music, art, fashion, and technology. The event will feature appearances by current and former NBA players, exclusive product drops, and live performances.

NBA Rising Stars | Feb. 14, 2020 | United Center

See the NBA’s rising stars go head-to-head on the court at this annual showcase of the league’s most exciting rookie and sophomore players.

NBA All-Star Celebrity Game presented by Ruffles | Feb. 14, 2020 | Wintrust Arena

Watch top celebrities from film, TV, and music test their skills alongside NBA legends and WNBA players during this entertaining exhibition game.

NBA All-Star Practice & Media Day | Feb. 15, 2020 | Wintrust Arena

Fans can see NBA’s biggest stars and legends interviewed by the media, as well as autograph/photo opportunities with legends, mascots and dance teams. After the media event, fans can watch the NBA All-Star Game squad practice for Sunday’s main event.

State Farm All-Star Saturday Night | Feb. 15, 2020 | United Center

State Farm All-Star Saturday Night features some of the NBA’s best players facing off in skills competitions, including Taco Bell Skills Challenge and MTN DEW Three-Point and AT&T Slam Dunk contests.

69th NBA All-Star Game | Feb. 16, 2020 | United Center

The NBA All-Star Game returns to Chicago for a legendary match-up of the league’s star players. The halftime show will feature performances by Chicago locals Chance the Rapper and Common.

For more information, visit https://www.choosechicago.com/articles/sports-and-recreation/nba-all-star-weekend-in-chicago/.

Security and Enforcement:

Public safety is the City’s top priority. Several security measures have been implemented for the NBA All-Star Weekend security plan, which includes elements that are seen and unseen, in addition to an enhanced security and law enforcement presence inside and outside the event venues. In addition, several safety measures are in effect for the safety of everyone entering the events. Attendees are reminded that if they see something suspicious to say something to on-site security personnel or call 9-1-1.

Security Screening & Bag Policy:

United Center:

Security Screening: All guests entering the arena are subject to visual inspection, bag check, and metal detection conducted by United Center security. Guests will be required to walk through metal detectors at all gates.

Bag Policy: Consistent with NBA games, prohibited items include all backpacks and hard-sided bags, along with any other bags (including briefcases, luggage, purses and diaper bags) that are larger than 14”x14”x6” in size. Single-compartment drawstring bags and fashion backpack purses will be permitted. Please note that all approved bags are subject to inspection upon entry, and the United Center is unable to check or store prohibited items during the game. Additionally, selfie sticks will not be permitted in the arena. For a full list of prohibited items, visit: https://www.unitedcenter.com/venue/frequently-asked-questions/#security

Wintrust Arena:

Security Screening: All patrons are subject to search as a condition of admission to an event.

Bag Policy: Wintrust Arena utilizes metal detectors and only clutch bags no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″ or 6.5″ x 4.5″ (approximately the size of a hand with or without a strap). Patrons may also bring in clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags that do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″ or one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag.
For the full list of prohibited items, visit: https://wintrustarena.com/plan-your-visit/prohibited-items/

Navy Pier:

Security Screening: All entrants will go through magnetometers. The Chicago Police Department maintains a satellite facility on the Pier with a strong, visible police presence and there will be an increased presence of both of uniformed and undercover officers. Chicago Police canine detection officers will also patrol areas of the Pier.

Traffic Impacts: Those traveling near the United Center, Wintrust Arena and Navy Pier should allow extra time, expect delays and consider alternate routes to avoid the impacts of the events.
Public Transportation: As always, public transportation is strongly encouraged for traveling to and from weekend activities. For more information on CTA services and reroutes, visit transitchicago.com or call (312) 836-7000/ (888) YOUR-CTA. For more information about Metra service in the area, visit metrarail.com or (312) 322-6777.

Parking Restrictions: Motorists are strongly encouraged to pay attention to temporary "No Parking Zones" signage posted about parking restrictions that will be in effect near the event venues. For public safety and traffic flow, the towing of vehicles along the route and other posted “No Parking Zones” will be strictly enforced. Motorists can call 3-1-1 to locate a towed vehicle.

OEMC Traffic and Emergency Notifications: As with any large event in Chicago, OEMC will continue to monitor weather conditions and coordinate resources if needed. The public is encouraged to follow OEMC on Twitter via the handle @ChicagoOEMC or register for free emergency alerts at NotifyChicago.org.

For more information on the event, fans can visit the NBA Events app on their smartphones or visit https://www.nba.com/allstarhttps://www.nba.com/allstar.

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