On May 4, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot joined elected officials, tourism backers and labor leaders to announce the return of the annual Chicago Auto Show.
The event—the nation's largest and longest-running auto show—will take place at McCormick Place, 2301 S. King Dr., on July 15-19 and will incorporate several innovative safety features, including being held indoors and outdoors for the first time since it was held in Chicago in 1901.
"Around this time last year, McCormick Place was turned an alternate care facility that significantly aided our city during the first wave of COVID-19—making today's announcement all the more special," said Lightfoot. "In the same spirit of collaboration between government, healthcare, community, and corporate partners, we are now able to bring conventions back to our beloved convention center in a way that is safe and reflective of our progress in slowing and stopping the spread of this virus. I look forward to seeing the McCormick Place reopen its doors for the Chicago Auto Show this July and further enhance our city's ongoing Open Chicago initiative."
"We stand committed to providing a safe environment for all involved and will carefully adhere to the health and safety protocols and guidelines set forth by city and state officials," said Chicago Auto Show General Manager Dave Sloan. "McCormick Place is an important economic engine for our city and state, and we take very seriously the responsibility that comes with helping to get it running again."
Among the safety measures in place are:
—a move to Hall F in West Building with 470,000 sq ft of indoor space and 100,000 sq ft of outdoor space;
—timed entrance windows and staggered entry to prevent congestion on the show floor and at arrival;
—requirement to wear face masks at all times;
—sanitization stations throughout the event;
—contactless delivery for tickets; and
—temperatures will be scanned, and a medical questionnaire must be filled out before entry is allowed into the event.
As Illinois prepares to move into the less restrictive "Bridge Phase," this announcement is also part of the broader "Open Chicago" initiative to safely and fully reopen the city.
Visit Website Link Here for tickets and more information.
