The Democratic National Convention (DNC) is set to occur from August 19-22 at locations such as,
the United Center and McCormick Place. Given this, it’s expected there will be an uptick in traffic
and street restrictions.
If you’re planning to be in or around these areas, it’s best to make travel
arrangements well in advance. Try to avoid driving around the United Center and McCormick Place
if you can, as they’re expected to be packed.
Public transportation or ride-sharing services might be more convenient options during this period. Keep in mind that security measures around these venues will likely be stricter.
The City plans to share live traffic and street limitation updates throughout the DNC. So, be sure to stay informed by monitoring their official channels or news broadcasts.
Businesses near the United Center, though located outside the projected areas of traffic and pedestrian limitations, are choosing to close temporarily due to the predicted significant traffic delays, road closures,
and heightened security required for the convention.
Established West Loop businesses like Gunzo’s Sports Center and Montauk Sofa, for instance, have announced temporary closures for their locations.
DNC effects on local business operations
While the DNC is underway, Gunzo’s will continue to run its operations from
its Morton Grove and River Forest locations. Meanwhile, Montauk Sofa’s employees will work remotely.
Anxieties about traffic and pedestrian problems aside, potential nearby protest gatherings are an additional rationale for closing temporarily. There exist divergent views on
the city’s proposition to set Park 578 as a protest area, with some businesses opposing it outright.
Vitahl Medical Aesthetics, a well-known medical spa, has chosen to stay closed throughout the convention despite needing to reschedule nearly 15 appointments. This decision was influenced by previous instances of event-related cancellations.
The spa’s owner, Stephanie Wolf, thinks that the temporary halt in operations is a practical move during the convention. She noted that patients appreciated the spa’s foresight to reschedule appointments well beforehand. Despite the numerous potential difficulties posed by the DNC, all affected businesses plan to reopen immediately post the event.
