If you managed to snag a ticket to Wednesday’s Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup rally at Soldier Field before they sold out in a matter of minutes, consider yourself one of the lucky ones.
Although the Blackhawks won’t be making their entrance from the parade until 11 a.m., the gates at Soldier Field will open at 8 a.m. for those holding their free advance tickets. Plan to get there in advance, way in advance – because you will be one of approximately 60,000 people bombarding the gates to try to make their way in.
In an effort to accommodate as many fans as possible, the city announced Wednesday afternoon they would be more than doubling the original parade route.
Shortly after, city officials decided they will be putting up viewing screens outside the stadium, allowing those who missed the mad rush for tickets to watch the celebration live amongst other fans right in the thick of it on projection screens in the south parking lot.
Although the city has allowed fans to view the rally from the south parking lot during the event, they are still enforcing that no tailgating will be allowed and a zero tolerance policy for alcohol will be strictly-enforced at both the parade and rally.
If you have a ticket and are going inside the stadium, you can bring a water bottle only if it is unopened. If you’re forced to ditch an open bottle, water fountains will be onsite and water bottles will be available for purchase from Soldier Field venders.
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Banners, flags and signs for the team will be allowed in, but can’t have any profane language and must not be attached to a pole or stick and can’t obstruct the view of others. Stadium security reminds fans they reserve the right to take any items away that violate the requirements.
Here are prohibited items that you will NOT be able to take inside with you to Soldier Field:
• Alcoholic beverages
• Balloons and beach balls
• Cans, bottles or other beverage containers
• Cameras with lenses longer than 3 inches
• Umbrellas
• Strollers
• Sticks of any kind (including "selfie" sticks)
• Video or movie cameras
• Confetti
• Noise-making devices (horns, whistles, etc.)
• Laser pens and pointers
• Coolers
• Poles to display banners or flags
• Fanny Packs (only prohibited for Chicago Bears games)
• Bags and backpacks larger 12 inches in height, depth and width
• Fireworks, smoke bombs
• Ice chests
• Illegal drugs
• Seat Cushions
• Weapons of any kind, or any other items deemed to be dangerous or inappropriate
If you are unable to be at Soldier Field in person but don't want to miss the action, we've got you covered.
- How to Watch Thursday's Blackhawks Parade, Rally Online
NBC 5 will offer full TV coverage of the event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for fans who want to congratulate the team but can’t be in attendance.
Click here to watch the full parade and rally on your computer or mobile device starting at 9 a.m. Thursday.
