Residents are reminded of large crowds, and to enjoy events safely and responsibly
The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) reminds the public of large crowds and security measures in place for the start of football pre-season as well as the Bud Billiken Parade and many festivals and concerts happening in the city this weekend. OEMC stresses the importance of being aware of surroundings at all times and to report suspicious activity.
The weather over the weekend is expected to be sunny, with temperatures in the upper 70s and mid-80s. Those attending events are encouraged to be cognizant of weather conditions and heed messages from officials if needed. Additionally, if an emergency arises, attendees are reminded to follow the direction of public safety personnel at the respective events.
OEMC will monitor weekend events and conditions citywide in its Operations Center, and will have personnel on-site in joint public safety commands for large-scale events, including:
Chicago Bears Pre-Season Opener | Thursday, August 8 at 7 p.m.
The Chicago Bears take on the Carolina Panthers at Soldier Field for their first home preseason game. Parking lots will open at 3 p.m. and gates open at 5 p.m.
Fan Safety:
- 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.
- Only those with event tickets will be allowed on the stadium grounds immediately outside the stadium.
- Coolers, selfie-sticks and alcoholic beverages are prohibited. For more prohibited items, see https://soldierfield.net/node/546 or https://soldierfield.net/prohibited-items
- Everyone is reminded to be alert and report suspicious activity to 9-1-1 or on-site security.
Parking, Ride-Share and Transportation:
- Event Parking lots open at 3 p.m.
- 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.
- Residential parking restrictions are in effect around Soldier Field. Call 3-1-1 to locate towed vehicles.
Bud Billiken Parade | Saturday, August 11 at 10 a.m.
The annual Bud Billiken Parade steps off at 10 a.m. on Saturday in the Bronzeville community. The parade route begins at King Drive at Oakwood Blvd. and proceeds south to end in Washington Park, where the “It Takes a Village” family fair will run until 4 p.m.
Comedian and West Side native Lil Ren Howery will serve as Grand Marshal for this year’s parade, featuring the theme “90 Years of Legacy”. Drill, dance and cheerleading teams from across the country will join marching bands along the route.
Northalsted Market Days | Saturday, August 10 – Sunday, August 11 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The 38th annual Northalsted Market Days® is a weekend-long festival celebrating life and community in Chicago’s historic Boystown/Lakeview district.
The half-mile-long festival features all-day lineups of live music on five stages, 200+ unique vendors, arts, crafts, food and drink, and more. Large crowds and street closures adjacent to the event will be in place. No large bags/backpacks allowed; all bags will be inspected prior to entry. No coolers or outside beverages will be permitted.
Residents and motorists should also be aware of the many other events in the city this weekend, including the Backstreet Boys concert at the United Center on Saturday at 8 p.m.; the BTN Big 10 10K Run 2019 in Grant Park on Sunday; Retro on Roscoe on Friday through Sunday at Damen; the White Sox homestand against the Oakland Athletics at Guaranteed Rate Field from Friday through Sunday, and more.
If You See Something, Say Something
OEMC encourages attendees, venue employees and residents to always be aware of surroundings and if they see something, say something to on-site security or call 9-1-1.
Notify Chicago
Get Chicago emergency alerts by following OEMC on Twitter via the handle @ChicagoOEMC or by signing-up for the free NotifyChicago alert system at www.notifychicago.org. This is a free service provided by the City of Chicago.
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