Chicago – Large gatherings and events continue in the city for the end of September and the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is advising residents and visitors to be aware of street closures, additional crowds, increased traffic and to plan accordingly.

 

The OEMC will monitor weekend events and weather conditions citywide from the Operations Center and will coordinate public safety resources with critical stakeholders as needed. Traffic Control Aides (TCAs) will be on hand at select events citywide to direct flow and impacts from increased traffic.

 

Report Suspicious Activity: If You See Something, Say Something™ OEMC reminds the public to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious activity – especially in large gatherings. If you notice something suspicious, notify onsite security or call 9-1-1. If You See Something, Say Something™ is a national anti-terrorism public awareness campaign that emphasizes the importance of reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities. Although the City has not received actionable threats, the Department of Homeland Security released an advisory on May 24, 2023 - National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin. DHS emphasizes the continued heightened threat environment across the United States. It notes 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.”

 

Chicago OEMC App – Know Before You Go

For safety and preparedness at your fingertips, residents and festival goers are encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC App. The public safety tool provides safety information, preparedness tips, emergency alerts, weather information and more in the palm of your hand. Users will also have access to current forecasts, radar, and other weather-related information as well. The app is available through the Apple App and Google Play stores or visit the website, Chicago.gov/OEMC.

 

Thursday, September 28

Chicago Blackhawks Preseason Home Game at 7:30 p.m.

The first home preseason game at United Center is Thursday, September 28 at 7:30 p.m. as the Blackhawks take on the St. Louis Blues. Gates open 6 p.m. Chicago Blackhawks vs. St. Louis Blues - September 28, 2023 | United Center

 

 

Friday, September 29

Red Bull Showrun at United Center (Outdoors) – 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

For the first time in Chicago, the Formula 1 car at the United Center is showcased. Attendees must RSVP and present a ticket at the gate to enter. Gates open at 4:30 p.m.

Fans are encouraged to arrive early; access will be limited after 6 p.m.

Street Closures: Madison Street from Damen to Wood Street and Wood Street from Warren Blvd. to Madison Red Bull Showrun Chicago - September 29, 2023 | United Center

 

Chicago White Sox Guaranteed Rate Field

Sox v. Diamondbacks

Thursday, September 28 (1:10 p.m.), Friday, September 29 (6:40 p.m.), Saturday, September 30 (6:10 p.m.)

Sox v. Padres

Sunday, October 1 (2:10 p.m.)

White Sox host the last homestand of the season at Guaranteed Rate Field. Parking lots open two hours before game start; Gates open 90 minutes prior to first pitch. For details, visit mlb.com/whitesox/ballpark/know-before-you-go

 

 

Saturday, September 30

Peter Gabriel concert at the United Center at 8 p.m. Gates open at 6:30 p.m.

 

Race to Wrigley 5K in Lakeview at 8 a.m.

The 18th annual Race to Wrigley 5K Charity Run will race through the Lakeview neighborhood and enter Wrigley Field with the finish line steps away from the Wrigley Field Marque. Street closures include:

· Addison Street: Sheffield to Racine (12 a.m. -12 p.m.)

· Clark Street: Waveland to Newport (12 a.m. – 12 p.m.)

· Addison Street: Lincoln to Racine (12 a.m. – 9 a.m.)

· Ravenswood Avenue: Irving Park Road to Addison (12 a.m. – 10 a.m.)

· Irving Park Road: Ravenswood to Sheridan (12 a.m. – 10 a.m.)

· N. Sheridan Road: Irving Park Road to W Sheridan (12 a.m. – 10 a.m.)

· Sheffield Avenue: W Sheridan to Roscoe (12 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.)

 

Sunday, October 1

Chicago Bears / Soldier Field at noon

The Chicago Bears play the Denver Broncos on Sunday, October 1 at noon at Soldier Field for week four of NFL games. Parking lots open at 8 a.m. and gates open at 10 a.m. with noon kick-off. Fan Safety:

· Fans attending the game are required to enter Soldier Filed using a mobile ticket.

· Soldier Field’s NFL clear bag policy will be in effect for this event. Clear plastic bags/backpacks that do not exceed 12"x6"x12" or one gallon (or smaller) clear plastic freezer bags are allowed. Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap, may be carried into the stadium along with one of the clear bag options. For complete details including a list of prohibited items, visit ChicagoBears.com/game-day/coming-to-the-game

Parking, Ride-Share and Transportation:

· Rideshare Uber/Lyft drop-off/pick-up is located at Balbo and Columbus. The 18th St. turnaround will also be designated for drop-offs and the 18th St. McCormick lot will be utilized for pick-ups. Rideshare users are urged to be alert and take the necessary precautions before entering a ride-share vehicle.

· No exiting from vehicles on or along DuSable Lake Shore Drive will be condoned.

· Residential parking restrictions are in effect around Soldier Field. Call 3-1-1 to locate towed vehicles.

· Traffic Control Aides (TCAs) will be on hand to facilitate traffic.

 

Public Transportation: For all large events, public transportation is encouraged. Public transit is the most affordable, convenient, and environmentally friendly way to get to and from summertime events.

 

Weather and Public Safety: OEMC will monitor events through a collaboration with public safety partners. OEMC advises Chicagoans to be aware of weather conditions and to follow instructions and heed all warnings from public safety officials. Residents are encouraged to check the weather before heading out. For the most up-to-date information, please tune into local media or download a weather app.

 

OEMC issues alerts and notifications needed to keep residents and attendees up to date on weather conditions and emergencies. · Sign up for NotifyChicago alerts at NotifyChicago.org

· CHILAKE: For lakefront notices, TEXT “CHILAKE” to 7-8-0-1-5

· CHIBIZ: For alerts affecting businesses, TEXT “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3

Grant Park and Lakefront Poles Markers/Location Identifiers: For public safety on the lakefront, residents and visitors are reminded to be aware of the numbers attached to the light poles throughout the Grant Park area and along the lakefront. The green signs with white letters and numbers are also located from 2400 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive to 6600 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, and on the lakefront from Oak Street to Fullerton and Montrose to Foster Avenue to help residents reference their location within the park to friends, family and first responders if there is an emergency and you call 9-1-1.

 

For additional information on emergency preparedness information, visit the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC. Follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Facebook (@coemc), Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC) and Instagram (chicago_oemc_911).