genpabloescobar
25 May 2005, 11:02 AM
For those of you locally who are driving or coming in and renting a car, here's some important information regarding Saturday. If you were here for Poland-US, you know what a disaster traffic was then, but the city and US Soccer have planned better this time...
For those of you who haven't thumbed your nose at the game, US Soccer and the City of Chicago have put out a traffic alert with parking information for Saturday. To avoid a disaster ala US-Poland game, here's some information...
http://www.ussoccer.com/events/report.sps?iEventID=17143&categoryid=85
*** TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Fans Attending U.S. vs. England on Saturday, May 28, 2005
Advised to Arrive Early, Take Public Transportation ***
Large holiday weekend crowds are expected at downtown Chicago attractions, around Solder Field and at the Museum Campus on Saturday, May 28, as the international soccer match between USA and England kicks off at Soldier Field at 2 p.m. CT.
That event, combined with regular Memorial Day traffic, an early Fun-Run at the stadium, and downtown street closures for the city's annual Memorial Day Parade, make Saturday a high-alert traffic day in Chicago.
U.S. Soccer and the City of Chicago Traffic Management Authority highly encourage fans to arrive extremely early for the soccer game and to use public transportation whenever possible.
For those driving to the game, be aware that parking at the stadium ($20 per car) fills up quickly and is anticipated to do so very early for this event. When this happens, auxiliary parking is available at the following locations:
McCormick Place lot at 31st Street and Lake Shore Drive (free shuttle service to and from stadium available)
Underground garages at Grant Park and Millennium Park (1.6 mile walk to stadium, free shuttle service not available)
Parking in the neighborhood west of Soldier Field is restricted. Cars parked illegally run the risk of being ticketed and/or towed.
U.S. Soccer has put together a list of transportation options (see below) to make your journey to Soldier Field for this highly anticipated event as easy and enjoyable as possible. Welcome to Chicago, be safe and have fun!
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:
CTA - The Chicago Transit Authority buses and trains are a convenient way for fans to reach Soldier Field.
CTA Red, Orange and Green Line trains stop at Roosevelt and fans can walk a half mile east to Soldier Field.
CTA #146 Inner Drive / Michigan Express bus operates from north lakefront communities, North Michigan Avenue and State Street in the Loop direct to Soldier Field.
CTA fares are economical - just $1.75 for adults (25¢ for a transfer) and 85¢ for children age 7-11 (15¢ for a transfer). CTA Visitor Passes offer unlimited rides for 1 ($5), 2 ($9), 3 ($12), or 5 ($18) days for one low price. Order in advance at www.transitchicago.com or purchase at Visitor Information Centers, Hot Tix, Navy Pier or select neighborhood currency exchanges.
METRA - Metra offers convenient service to Soldier Field from the entire Chicagoland area. For specific schedules and fares, visit www.metrarail.com
DRIVING DIRECTIONS:
From I-90/94: Take either the Kennedy/Dan Ryan Expressway toward downtown Chicago. Exit onto I-55 Stevenson Expressway East toward Lake Shore Drive. If arriving at least two hours before kickoff, take Lake Shore Drive North to Soldier Field parking exit (18th Dr.) If arriving less than two hours before kickoff, take Lake Shore Drive South and exit at 31st Street and follow the Lake Shore Drive Southbound Auxiliary Parking directions below.
From I-290: Take the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) toward the City. Exit onto I-90 Dan Ryan Expressway East. Exit onto I-55 Stevenson Expressway East toward Lake Shore Drive. If arriving at least two hours before kickoff, take Lake Shore Drive North to Soldier Field parking exit (18th Dr.) If arriving less than two hours before kickoff, take Lake Shore Drive South and exit at 31st Street and follow the Lake Shore Drive Southbound Auxiliary Parking directions below.
From I-55: Take the Stevenson Expressway (I-55) toward the city. If arriving at least two hours before kickoff, take Lake Shore Drive North to Soldier Field parking exit (18th Dr.) If arriving less than two hours before kickoff, take Lake Shore Drive South and exit at 31st Street and follow the Lake Shore Drive Southbound Auxiliary Parking directions below.
Directions to Auxiliary Parking at 31st Street Via Lake Shore Drive Southbound from I-55 and points north of Soldier Field:
Travel south on Lake Shore Drive. Go past Soldier Field and exit at 31st Street:
To use the McCormick Place underground garage ($16): Turn left and go onto Fort Dearborn Drive (side road east of Lake Shore Drive). Park under McCormick Place, avoid the congestion and take a 10-minute walk to Soldier Field.
To use the surface lot at 31st Street and Lake Shore Drive ($16): Exit at 31st Street, turn right. The lot is immediately on your right. Take the free trolley that uses a quick shortcut to the 18th Street stadium entrance.
Directions to Auxiliary Parking at 31st Street Via Lake Shore Drive Northbound from points south of 31st Street:
Exit at 31st Street before McCormick Place and exit to your right.
To use the McCormick Place underground garage ($16): Continue straight onto Fort Dearborn Drive (side road east of Lake Shore Drive). Park under McCormick Place, avoid the congestion and take a short 10-minute walk to Soldier Field.
To use the surface lot at 31st Street and Lake Shore Drive ($16): Turn left onto 31st street. After crossing Lake Shore Drive, the lot is immediately on your right. Take the free trolley that uses a quick shortcut to the 18th Street stadium entrance.
PLANNING YOUR ROUTE - TRAFFIC INFORMATION:
At home: Plan your trip by visiting the City of Chicago's traffic information page www.cityofchicago.org/Transportation/TravelAdvisories/trafficAlert.html
From your car: Up to the minute traffic information is available on the Illinois Dept. of Transportation Traffic Station - 1610 AM
For those of you who haven't thumbed your nose at the game, US Soccer and the City of Chicago have put out a traffic alert with parking information for Saturday. To avoid a disaster ala US-Poland game, here's some information...
http://www.ussoccer.com/events/report.sps?iEventID=17143&categoryid=85
*** TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Fans Attending U.S. vs. England on Saturday, May 28, 2005
Advised to Arrive Early, Take Public Transportation ***
Large holiday weekend crowds are expected at downtown Chicago attractions, around Solder Field and at the Museum Campus on Saturday, May 28, as the international soccer match between USA and England kicks off at Soldier Field at 2 p.m. CT.
That event, combined with regular Memorial Day traffic, an early Fun-Run at the stadium, and downtown street closures for the city's annual Memorial Day Parade, make Saturday a high-alert traffic day in Chicago.
U.S. Soccer and the City of Chicago Traffic Management Authority highly encourage fans to arrive extremely early for the soccer game and to use public transportation whenever possible.
For those driving to the game, be aware that parking at the stadium ($20 per car) fills up quickly and is anticipated to do so very early for this event. When this happens, auxiliary parking is available at the following locations:
McCormick Place lot at 31st Street and Lake Shore Drive (free shuttle service to and from stadium available)
Underground garages at Grant Park and Millennium Park (1.6 mile walk to stadium, free shuttle service not available)
Parking in the neighborhood west of Soldier Field is restricted. Cars parked illegally run the risk of being ticketed and/or towed.
U.S. Soccer has put together a list of transportation options (see below) to make your journey to Soldier Field for this highly anticipated event as easy and enjoyable as possible. Welcome to Chicago, be safe and have fun!
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:
CTA - The Chicago Transit Authority buses and trains are a convenient way for fans to reach Soldier Field.
CTA Red, Orange and Green Line trains stop at Roosevelt and fans can walk a half mile east to Soldier Field.
CTA #146 Inner Drive / Michigan Express bus operates from north lakefront communities, North Michigan Avenue and State Street in the Loop direct to Soldier Field.
CTA fares are economical - just $1.75 for adults (25¢ for a transfer) and 85¢ for children age 7-11 (15¢ for a transfer). CTA Visitor Passes offer unlimited rides for 1 ($5), 2 ($9), 3 ($12), or 5 ($18) days for one low price. Order in advance at www.transitchicago.com or purchase at Visitor Information Centers, Hot Tix, Navy Pier or select neighborhood currency exchanges.
METRA - Metra offers convenient service to Soldier Field from the entire Chicagoland area. For specific schedules and fares, visit www.metrarail.com
DRIVING DIRECTIONS:
From I-90/94: Take either the Kennedy/Dan Ryan Expressway toward downtown Chicago. Exit onto I-55 Stevenson Expressway East toward Lake Shore Drive. If arriving at least two hours before kickoff, take Lake Shore Drive North to Soldier Field parking exit (18th Dr.) If arriving less than two hours before kickoff, take Lake Shore Drive South and exit at 31st Street and follow the Lake Shore Drive Southbound Auxiliary Parking directions below.
From I-290: Take the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) toward the City. Exit onto I-90 Dan Ryan Expressway East. Exit onto I-55 Stevenson Expressway East toward Lake Shore Drive. If arriving at least two hours before kickoff, take Lake Shore Drive North to Soldier Field parking exit (18th Dr.) If arriving less than two hours before kickoff, take Lake Shore Drive South and exit at 31st Street and follow the Lake Shore Drive Southbound Auxiliary Parking directions below.
From I-55: Take the Stevenson Expressway (I-55) toward the city. If arriving at least two hours before kickoff, take Lake Shore Drive North to Soldier Field parking exit (18th Dr.) If arriving less than two hours before kickoff, take Lake Shore Drive South and exit at 31st Street and follow the Lake Shore Drive Southbound Auxiliary Parking directions below.
Directions to Auxiliary Parking at 31st Street Via Lake Shore Drive Southbound from I-55 and points north of Soldier Field:
Travel south on Lake Shore Drive. Go past Soldier Field and exit at 31st Street:
To use the McCormick Place underground garage ($16): Turn left and go onto Fort Dearborn Drive (side road east of Lake Shore Drive). Park under McCormick Place, avoid the congestion and take a 10-minute walk to Soldier Field.
To use the surface lot at 31st Street and Lake Shore Drive ($16): Exit at 31st Street, turn right. The lot is immediately on your right. Take the free trolley that uses a quick shortcut to the 18th Street stadium entrance.
Directions to Auxiliary Parking at 31st Street Via Lake Shore Drive Northbound from points south of 31st Street:
Exit at 31st Street before McCormick Place and exit to your right.
To use the McCormick Place underground garage ($16): Continue straight onto Fort Dearborn Drive (side road east of Lake Shore Drive). Park under McCormick Place, avoid the congestion and take a short 10-minute walk to Soldier Field.
To use the surface lot at 31st Street and Lake Shore Drive ($16): Turn left onto 31st street. After crossing Lake Shore Drive, the lot is immediately on your right. Take the free trolley that uses a quick shortcut to the 18th Street stadium entrance.
PLANNING YOUR ROUTE - TRAFFIC INFORMATION:
At home: Plan your trip by visiting the City of Chicago's traffic information page www.cityofchicago.org/Transportation/TravelAdvisories/trafficAlert.html
From your car: Up to the minute traffic information is available on the Illinois Dept. of Transportation Traffic Station - 1610 AM