Chicago Auto Show Returns, Marking Turning Point In Pandemic

CHICAGO — One of the city's largest conventions graced the Near South Side again on Thursday, marking a turning point for Chicago's business and event economies.

In early May, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced the Chicago Auto Show would return to McCormick Place shortly after Illinois' anticipated reopening on July 4. Making good on the promise, event-goers can browse the latest automobiles and even see them in action from July 15-19.

During a press conference in May, Pritzker credited vaccines for making the popular tourist event possible again.

Pritzker said the auto show would support thousands of union jobs and attract "industry leaders, gear heads, inventors and curious residents alike."

The auto show, running a long weekend from Thursday to Monday, is taking place both indoors and outdoors and utilizing precautions such as using a larger hall within McCormick Place and staggering entry for ticket-holders to prevent congestion on the show floor.

The event space will also include more outdoor experiences, which will help circulate air flow and give customers access to view even more test drives, officials from the auto show said.

As one of the first large events to be held in the state since the start of the pandemic, the auto show will set the stage for the return of other big events in the coming months.

"Since 1901, the Chicago Auto Show has brought smiles and excitement to our city. So many of us have brought our families to the auto show. We've test driven cars here. We've looked at the future and imagined the fun of driving the next cool concept car," Pritzker said. "Well, the fun is back, and I, for one, can't wait."

Those interested can purchase auto show tickets online for $10-$13.