Fall Kicks Off with Notre Dame Football, Puerto Rican Festival, Alice Cooper and Harry Styles Concerts, Half Marathon Heart Walk and More

September 24, 2021

Residents can expect increased traffic and are reminded to be vigilant and call 9-1-1 to report suspicious activity

It’s the first fall weekend in Chicago and the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is reminding attendees, participants and fans to be aware and cognizant of surroundings and enjoy events safely.  In addition, with increased crowds for the Notre Dame vs Wisconsin game, Chicago Half Marathon, Puerto Rican Festival among other events throughout the city, be aware of street closures and traffic impacts.  As always, OEMC will monitor activities and weather throughout the weekend. 

Notre Dame vs Wisconsin Game at Soldier Field 

Soldier Field hosts the college Notre Dame vs Wisconsin game to capacity crowds on Saturday with 11 a.m. kick-off.  Fans will be arriving early for the game and for pre-game festivities.  Parking is very limited at Soldier Field parking lots due to advanced parking sales. Millennium garage is open with free shuttles picking up on lower Randolph.  McCormick Place Lots B and C will be open to the public. Ride share/taxi’s drop off is at designated 18th Street area and pick up after the game is at Balbo and Columbus. Residential parking restrictions is in effect around the stadium.  All fans are required to go through security screening prior to entry.  For prohibited items, see the Soldier Field website at www.soldierfield.net.  

Puerto Rican Festival in Humboldt Park 

Normally hosted in June but due to Covid19 was moved to September, Puerto Rican Festival is on Saturday and Sunday in Humboldt Park with the entrance at the corner of Division and Kedzie on Luis Munoz Marin Drive.  The festival is from noon until 10 pm each day. 

Chicago Half Marathon & 5K 

On Sunday, the HOKA One One Chicago Half Marathon starts at 7 a.m. in Jackson Park and proceeds through Hyde Park, University of Chicago campus, then along south DuSable Lake Shore Drive, with finish in Jackson Park.  DuSable Lake Shore Drive between 31st and 67th Streets is closed at 6 a.m. The LifeTime 5K will take place on Sunday as well on Cornell, Stony Island, East Marquette Drive to East Hayes Drive for finish.   

Chicago Cubs vs St Louis Cardinals  

The Chicago Cubs play a double-header with St Louis Cardinals on Friday, at 1:20 pm and 7:05 pm; and then Saturday and Sunday at 1:20 pm. Fans are reminded to respect the surrounding community. 

Alice Cooper at Northerly Island 

Alice Cooper is at Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island on Friday at 7:30 pm.  

Harry Styles at United Center 

On Friday and Saturday, Harry Styles is performing at United Center at 8 pm. 

Additional events include: 

  • Chicago Fire vs Nashville soccer is Sunday at Soldier Field at noon. 
  • 2021 Metro Chicago Heart Walk is Friday at 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at Soldier Field.  Parking available in the Waldron parking deck, directly across
    the street from the Soldier Field south lot.  

Traffic Control Aides (TCAs) will be on hand citywide to direct traffic flow and impacts.  Public transportation is encouraged. For more information on CTA services and reroutes, visit www.transitchicago.com or call 312-836-7000 from any area code/1-888-YOUR-I CTA. 

Mask Guidance Update: Both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals in the City of Chicago must wear a face covering in indoor public spaces. Masking remains optional in outdoor settings where the risk of COVID-19 transmission is lower. However, masks are recommended for unvaccinated individuals in crowded outdoor settings.  For details visit chi.gov/covidvax. 

OEMC will monitor weekend events citywide from the Operations Center and coordinate public safety resources with the Chicago Police Department, Chicago Fire Department and City of Chicago infrastructure departments. 

Report Suspicious Activity:  If you See Something Say Something. The city reminds the public to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious activity. 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. 

Weather 

OEMC advises Chicagoans to be aware of weather conditions and to follow instructions and heed all warnings from public safety officials. We encourage residents to check the weather before heading out. For the most up-to-date weather information, please tune into local media or download a weather app.   

 

The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) will monitor events through a collaboration with public safety partners. OEMC will issue any 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. OEMC also issues TEXT alerts for lakefront notices, issues affecting businesses or COVID-19 updates: 

  • 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 
  • COVID: Get COVID-19 updates by TEXTING “COVID19” to 6-7-2-8-3 

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). 

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