After nearly a year of planning, the NASCAR Chicago Street Race is here. Will it rev up the city’s economy as promised?
People check out a Michael Jordan-themed race car to be driven by Bubba Wallace that is parked outside DraftKings Sportsbook and Wrigley Field before a game between the Chicago Cubsa and the Philadelphia Phillies on June 29, 2023.
The weekend’s festivities include full-length concerts headlined by Miranda Lambert, the Chainsmokers and the Black Crowes.[Don't miss] NASCAR Chicago Street Race: What to know about the 12-turn, 2.2-mile course around the cityTickets range from $269 for two-day general admission to more than $3,000 for the premium Paddock Club overlooking the start/finish line at Buckingham Fountain.
The biggest beneficiary of 50,000 racegoers descending on Grant Park for July Fourth weekend may be the Chicago hotel industry, which has nearly climbed back from the depths of the pandemic, when occupancy bottomed out at 26% in 2020. “There are a lot of hotels sold out, especially those right along the race route on Michigan Avenue,” said Michael Jacobson, president and CEO of the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association.
The Shedd Aquarium will be closed Saturday and Sunday, while the Field Museum will have reduced hours. Adler Planetarium plans to maintain normal hours throughout the weekend. All three museums are preparing for disruption.“As this is a new event for the city, none of us is entirely sure what the traffic impact will be, and we have been working to navigate potential disruptions for visitors and staff during the event,” Field Museum spokesperson Bridgette Russell said in a statement.
Gilbert is closing her store for the weekend because of the lack of easy access and a concern that the roar of race cars will discourage customers who want to browse quietly for books. “I have no problem with NASCAR because they are reimbursing us for the time we are going to be missing,” said owner Clyde Anhalt, who is seeking $3,461 from NASCAR for being displaced.
A concrete barrier is moved at the corner of East Jackson Drive and South Columbus Drive near Turn 12 on June 27, 2023, for the upcoming NASCAR Chicago Street Race. Chicago will serve as a telegenic backdrop for the race, featuring the city’s skyline, lakefront, Buckingham Fountain and other iconic vistas in a 100-lap loop.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Chicago leaders outline safety plans for Chicago NASCAR Street Race, Fourth of July weekendBetween the inaugural Chicago NASCAR street race and the Fourth of July holiday, it's shaping up to be a crazy busy weekend in downtown Chicago.
Read more »
NBC 5, Telemundo Chicago and NBC Sports Chicago to offer live multi-platform coverage of NASCAR's street race weekendChicago sports history will be made this weekend as the world’s very best and most popular auto racers will be in fierce competition at the inaugural “NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend” and NBCUniversal Local Chicago’s trio of properties — NBC 5 Chicago/Telemundo Chicago/NBC Sports Chicago — will be THE home for everything NASCAR providing fans with extensive multi-platform coverage of this momentous sporting event beginning tomorrow (Thursday, June 29) through Sunday, July 2.
Read more »
As NASCAR races loom, Chicago commuters brace for traffic headacheNASCAR is racing into Chicago this weekend, causing significant closures downtown as masses of racing enthusiasts visit the Windy City
Read more »
Chicago officials discuss public safety ahead of NASCAR and Fourth of JulyChicago officials are set to share an update on public safety measures to be put in place for the NASCAR Chicago Street Race and Fourth of July weekend. The press conference is scheduled to begin Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Watch live below:
Read more »
Chicago Police Canceling Days Off Over Fourth of July Weekend as NASCAR Revs UpChicago police officers will once again have their days off canceled as part of the city’s violence prevention strategy during the Fourth of July weekend, complicated this year by the NASCAR street race.
Read more »