Around 50,000 Democratic delegates, volunteers, supporters and more are expected to descend on the Democratic National Convention in Chicago beginning Monday, with big names set to speak including President Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama. Other celebrities are scheduled to attend as well.
Plenty of people will not be allowed in, however — including the general public.
“Only credentialed delegates, media, and guests can attend the convention in-person,” the convention’s website said. “We are building a convention to reach all Americans and will provide opportunities to participate.”
Earlier this year, volunteer applications were open for those wishing to work or volunteer at the DNC. As of Monday, Aug 19 — day one of the convention — applications were closed, the website said.
“Thank you for your interest in volunteering for the Democratic National Convention,” the site said. “Over 30,000 people have raised their hands to volunteer for this historic event. Due to this overwhelming support, we are no longer accepting volunteer interest forms. Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm.”
The convention also comes with a slew of road closures on the West Side and along Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago, several planned protests and military helicopters expected to fly overhead.
Here’s what to expect for day one of the convention, along with how to watch and more.
DNC Chicago Dates
The 2024 DNC in Chicago begins Monday, Aug. 19. It continues through Thursday, Aug. 22, with speeches expected for four consecutive nights.
Where is the convention?
The convention takes place in two locations.
The primary location for the convention, where speeches will be delivered and votes will be taken, will be at the United Center, located on the city’s West Side. The building is the home of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks, and also hosted the Democratic National Convention in 1996.
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There will also be caucus and council meetings throughout the week taking place at McCormick Place, the city’s largest convention center. The building is located near Lake Michigan, just south of Soldier Field and the city’s Museum Campus.
Schedule, speakers for day 1 of the DNC
While the full list of speakers has not yet been released, some of the Democratic Party’s biggest stars will be on-hand, including President Joe Biden, who will address the convention on Monday.
Monday will also see speeches by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and First Lady Jill Biden.
Keynote speeches Monday are expected to begin at 5:30 p.m. Monday.
MORE: DNC Speakers tracker: Kinzinger, Michelle Obama added to lineup
NBC News reported Vice President Kamala Harris will be in attendance Monday. President Biden and Vice President Harris are expected to appear on stage together after Biden’s speech concludes.
Following their addresses Monday, the Bidens will depart Chicago, NBC News confirmed.
The theme for Monday, according to organizers, is “For The People.”
A full day-by-day, DNC schedule can be found here.
Who else will speak at the DNC?
Former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton are expected to address the convention later in the week, with Obama speaking Tuesday and Clinton speaking Wednesday.
Tuesday will also see speeches by former First Lady Michelle Obama, and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who was chosen as the vice-presidential nominee on the ticket, will speak to the convention on Wednesday. Vice President Kamala Harris will officially accept the party’s presidential nomination on Thursday.
How to watch the DNC
All four floor sessions of the Democratic National Convention will be livestreamed on NBC Chicago’s website and mobile app, and in the player above.
Speeches will also be available on the NBC 5 Chicago News 24/7 Streaming Channel.
Viewers can also expect expanded coverage via Telemundo Chicago and the Telemundo Chicago app.
Streaming times (all times Central):
Monday: 5:15 p.m.-10 p.m.
Tuesday: 6-10 p.m.
Wednesday: 6-10 p.m.
Thursday: 6-10 p.m.
Security and street closures
More than a dozen law enforcement agencies will help provide security throughout the convention, with the Chicago Police Department, FBI and Secret Service among those coordinating during the week.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker confirmed to NBC Chicago that approximately 150 members of the state’s National Guard will be in Chicago for the DNC this week, but emphasized they are present in a standby role.
FULL LIST: Busy Chicago streets in the Loop, Gold Coast and more closed due to DNC
Numerous street closures are currently in effect around the United Center and McCormick Place, with fencing largely blocking off restricted areas and other areas requiring security screening for incoming vehicles. A full list of those closures near the convention locations can be found here.
There are also several street closures in effect for busy downtown Chicago streets, including including Huron Street and Chicago Avenue between Michigan Avenue and Rush Street. State Street will also be closed between Delaware Place and Walton Street, among other downtown closures.
Planned protests
Permitted protests are scheduled throughout the week, with the first taking place Sunday. Authorized protests will be held at a pair of Chicago parks, with a marching route just to the north of the United Center, according to officials.
Monday, at least four different groups are expected to protest. Other groups could hold non-permitted protests. Here’s what to expect Monday, according to the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communication:
- Permit applicant: United States Palestinian Community Network
- 8:00 a.m. Assembly | 9:00 a.m. Step-Off
- Route: Union Park to Park 578, via Washington to Hermitage, Hermitage to Maypole, Maypole to Park 578, exit Park 578 at Maypole, via Maypole to Damen, Damen to Lake, Lake to Union Park.
- Permit applicant: Students for a Democratic Society at UIC
- 11:00 a.m. Assembly | 12:00 p.m. Step-Off
- Route: Union Park to Park 578, following the same route as above.
- Permit applicant: Chicago Alliance against Racist and Political Repression
- 12:00 p.m. Assembly | 2:00 p.m. Step-Off
- Route: Union Park to Park 578, following the same route as above.
- Permit applicant: Poor People’s Human Rights Campaign
- 3:00 p.m. Assembly | 4:00 p.m. Step-Off
- Route: 3015 W Division St, eastbound on Division to Damen, southbound on Damen to Maypole, eastbound on Maypole to Park 578. Disband by 6:00 p.m. at Park 578.
Additional permitted protests are expected to take place Thursday afternoon and evening.
“In preparing to host the Democratic National Convention as mayor of the City of Chicago, I have remained committed to upholding the diverse, multi-generational movements that brought me by exercising the right to protest and First Amendment rights,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a release. “We are focused on collaborative solutions and have extended this approach to our convention preparation to balance the need for security with our commitment to free expression.