Editor’s note: NBC Chicago will offer a live feed of evening and primetime speeches each day Monday-Thursday in the player above and on the NBC 5 Chicago News 24/7 streaming channel.
Following another night of energetic and fiery speeches from big-name politicians, the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago heads into its third day Wednesday.
After receiving the blessing of former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama Tuesday, the focus on the second to last day of the DNC shifts to Kamala Harris’ vice presidential running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. The former school teacher and football coach is expected to accept the Democratic nomination Wednesday as the party makes the case that Americans’ fundamental freedoms are at risk if Donald Trump returns to the White House.
Former President Bill Clinton, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg are also expected to address the convention Wednesday as dozens of street closures near the United Center, McCormick Place and in Gold Coast continue.
MORE: Traffic, congestion and street closures surround the DNC in Chicago — unless you’re a VIP
According to the city of Chicago, there are no permitted protests scheduled for Wednesday, though unsanctioned protests and demonstrations could occur. Tuesday night, more than a dozen pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested during a non-permitted protest near Ogilvy Transportation Center.
Who spoke at the DNC yesterday?
In addition to big speeches from The Obamas, Illinois Gov J.B. Pritzker also spoke Tuesday, along with Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and Trump’s former press secretary Stephanie Grisham.
“Behind closed doors, Trump calls his supporters ‘basement dwellers,’” Grisham said. “He has no empathy, no morals, and no fidelity to the truth.”
Here’s what to expect for day three of the convention, along with how to watch and more.
Schedule, speakers for day 3 of the DNC
After a tumultuous few weeks, where Harris’ running mate went from little-known Midwest governor to top of the Democratic ticket, Tim Walz is expected to get his own moment in the spotlight Wednesday when Democrats officially nominate the 60-year-old as their vice presidential candidate.
Walz wasn’t widely known outside of Minnesota before Harris chose him to join her on the Democratic presidential ticket. But they clicked when the vice president interviewed him, and she was impressed by his record as a governor and congressman — and the splash he made on TV.
Former President Bill Clinton, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg are also scheduled to speak Wednesday, with a full schedule and list of speakers expected to be announced later in the later.
MORE: Here’s each state’s ‘walk-up song’ for the DNC’s ceremonial roll call
Doors at the United Center Wednesday will open at 4 p.m. CT, with main programming beginning at 5:30 p.m. CT, according to the DNC website. Other scheduled events include a delegation breakfast, caucuses, meetings and more.
The theme for Wednesday will be “A fight for our freedoms,” with the prevailing theme of the evening focusing on retaining rights that Democrats say have been stripped away under Republican administrations, including reproductive rights and others.
Who else will speak at the DNC?
More speakers are expected to be announced each day. Vice President Kamala Harris will officially accept the party’s presidential nomination on Thursday.
When does the DNC end?
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 DNC?
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.
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.
What time and how to watch the DNC live
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 for remaining days (all times Central):
Wednesday: 5:30-10 p.m.
Thursday: 5:30-10 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.
Below is a full list of closures and where you can find them, according to the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications:
Downtown, Gold Coast street closures for the DNC
- N. Wabash from E, Chestnut to E Delaware Place from Sunday, August 18 through Wednesday, August 21
- E. Huron Street from N. Michigan to N. Rush from Sunday, August 18 through Friday, August 23
- E. Chicago from N. Michigan Avenue to N. Rush Street from Sunday, August 18 through Friday, August 23
- E .Delaware Place from N. State to N. Rush on Tuesday, August 20.
- N. Rush from E. Delaware Place to E. Walton on Tuesday, August 20.
- E Walton from N State to N Rush on Tuesday, August 20.
- N State from E Delaware to E Walton on Tuesday, August 20.
Restricted vehicle traffic: Jackson Boulevard from South Damen Avenue to South Wood Street
Began Thursday, Aug. 15
- West Washington Boulevard from Damen Avenue to South Wood Street
- Damen Avenue from Jackson Boulevard to West Washington Boulevard
- West Warren Boulevard from North Leavitt Street to South Paulina Street
- West Madison Street from North Leavitt Street to South Paulina Street
- West Monroe Street from South Seeley Avenue to South Paulina Street
- West Adams Street from South Seeley Avenue to South Paulina Street
- South Honore Street from West Monroe Street to West Adams Street
- South Wood Street from West Washington Boulevard to West Jackson Boulevard
- South Seeley Avenue from West Madison Street to West Adams Street
Began Saturday, Aug. 17
- Indiana Avenue from 18th to E. 24th Place
- Michigan Avenue from 21st to 25th Street
- Cermak Road from Wabash Avenue to MLK Drive
- 23rd Street from Wabash Avenue to Indiana Avenue
- Prairie Avenue from Cullerton Street to 24th Place
- 24th Street from Wabash Avenue to Indiana Avenue
- Calumet Avenue from Cullerton Street to 24th Place
- 24th Place from Wabash Avenue to MLK Drive
- MLK Drive from Cermak Rd. to 25th Street
- E 21st Street closed from, and inclusive of, S. Michigan Avenue to S. Calumet Avenue.
- E 21st St is open from west of S Michigan Avenue to inclusive of S Wabash Avenue and E 21st.
Additionally, no trucks or vehicles larger than passenger cars permitted on I-55 between DuSable Lake Shore Drive and South State Street in both directions.
Can you get tickets to the DNC?
Around 50,000 Democratic delegates, volunteers, supporters and more are expected to descend on the Democratic National Convention in Chicago each day. 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.”