Chicago is experiencing the unofficial start of summer with high temperatures and a range of events across the city. The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) has cautioned citizens about increased traffic and big crowds due to the summer festival and event season. There are several events occurring around the city, including a Chicago Sky game, a White Sox game, a Two Friends concert, and Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Chicago stop. The OEMC has asked concert-goers and nearby residents to remain vigilant for everyone’s safety. Fans are strongly encouraged to arrive early to Soldier Field’s Eras Tour show and take public transit when possible due to expected heavy traffic.
Summer has arrived in Chicago, and with it comes a plethora of sporting and live entertainment events. This weekend, the city will be bustling with activity, prompting officials and organizers to caution citizens about traffic and big crowds.
In a news release on Thursday, the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) emphasized the “increased activity with summer festival and event season underway” and asked concertgoers and nearby residents “to remain vigilant for everyone’s safety.”
Starting off Friday, a Chicago Sky game, a White Sox game, a Two Friends concert, the first Soldier Field show of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Chicago stop, and more will coalesce in busy neighborhoods during rush hour.
Expressing concerns about traffic congestion around Wintrust Arena, the Chicago Sky scheduled their Friday game against the New York Liberty for 5 p.m. As mentioned in the team’s Twitter account, “traffic may be more congested than usual.”
About a two-mile drive away at Soldier Field, doors for Friday’s Eras Tour show will open at 4:30 p.m. Opening acts are slated to begin at 6:30 p.m., with Swift beginning her three-hour set at 8 p.m. “Due to several events occurring around the city and the Museum Campus, fans are strongly encouraged to arrive early,” As mentioned in Soldier Field’s Eras Tour event page. “Traffic will be heavy so please plan your travel accordingly and take public transit when possible.”
For more information about Soldier Field Eras Tour pickup, parking, and public transportation, see the Tribune’s in-depth guide.
Right across Museum Campus’ Burnham Harbor at Huntington Bank Pavilion in Northerly Island, EDM duo Two Friends will have a concert Friday beginning at 6:30 p.m. “With several concurrent events happening around Museum Campus this weekend, getting around the area may be more difficult than usual,” As mentioned in the venue’s website. “Please plan accordingly and allow yourself extra time to arrive.”
As summer heats up in Chicago, it’s important to stay aware of the increased activity and take precautions to ensure everyone’s safety. Plan ahead, arrive early, and consider taking public transit to avoid traffic congestion. With a little preparation, you can enjoy all the summer living that Chicago has to offer.
