Frequently Asked Questions

The 2013 Chicago Auto Show is open to the public from February 9-18, 2013.

Show hours:
February 9-17: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
February 18 (Presidents Day): 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Photography and videography is not only permitted, it is encouraged!

The tentative dates for 2014 Chicago Auto Show will be Saturday, February 8 - Monday, February 17, 2014. The 2014 First Look for Charity event will tentatively be held on Friday, February 7.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, February 9 at the Grand Concourse entrance of McCormick Place.

The Chicago Auto Show is the nation’s largest with more than 1 million square feet of exhibit space. Weekends traditionally tend to be the most crowded; however, there is plenty of room to comfortably explore the show floor.

Yes, there are several coat and luggage checks available for your convenience.

Yes. From February 13 through 15, bring three cans of food to the Chicago Auto Show to receive a coupon for $6 admission. All food will be donated to A Safe Haven.

The Chicago ordinance bans smoking inside all buildings as well as 15 feet within any building’s perimeters. If attendees wish to smoke, they may exit McCormick Place to find designated smoking areas located 15 feet away from the building.

Yes, the majority of restrooms inside McCormick Place are equipped with changing stations.

Most every production vehicle on the floor is unlocked for attendees to comb through. One-of-a-kind concepts are for viewing only, and a few of the displays for high-end cars give unfettered access to select patrons.

Yes, the Illinois Secretary of State's office does have a booth where attendees can renew or replace their driver's licenses.

Certainly; however, all bags are subject to search at the entrances to the Chicago Auto Show.

The Chicago Auto Show is the nation's largest auto show. However, show management does not announce exact attendance figures. 

If any of your belongings are lost during your visit to the Chicago Auto Show, please check with McCormick Place security at 312-791- 6060.

No, the Chicago Auto Show is an exhibition only. However, product specialists are available to answer any questions you have regarding the vehicles on display. If you are interested in purchasing a new vehicle, representatives can help direct you to a dealer that is within a convenient location to your home or office.

The Chicago Auto Show premiered in 1901. The Chicago Automobile Trade Association has owned and produced the show since 1935.

Yes, you can re-enter multiple times on the same day, provided you get your hand stamped when first exiting the show.

Many of the manufacturers do offer special show pricing, typically through the end of February. Please check with your local dealership for more details.

Additionally, you can identify all area franchised, new-car dealers at DriveChicago.com.

Admission prices are as follows:

• $12 for adults
• $6 for seniors ages 62 and older
• $6 for children ages 7-12
• Free admission for children 6 and younger when they accompany a paying adult (family members only)
• Weekday discount coupons ($6 off the regular adult admission) available at various area new-car dealers.

To avoid lines, you can purchase tickets in advance at ChicagoAutoShow.com. Ticket sales will be available in mid- to late-November. You can also purchase tickets on-site at the box offices located at the entrances to the show (cash and credit cards will be accepted).

Yes, all credit card information is protected through VeriSign, an e-commerce leader for processing payments securely. VeriSign uses SSL encryption to transmit data safely.
 

If you purchased your ticket online, please print and bring that ticket for entry. Also, be sure to check back after the New Year for details on how to download our all-new mobile app.

Since we do not offer reimbursements, you must be present in order to receive the discounted ticket from the food drive.

Discount offers for admission to the Chicago Auto Show cannot be combined. There is only one discount offered per admission.

All ticket sales are final and no refunds are offered.

Yes, personnel who currently serve in the active duty, National Guard or Reserves and hold valid military ID are admitted free to the show. However, non-active personnel and any family and friends who may accompany you must purchase a ticket.
 

Yes, the box offices are equipped to accept American Express, Visa and MasterCard payments.

The Chicago Auto Show is owned and produced by the dealers in and around Chicago, so the area's new-car dealers have discounted show tickets to share. Demand is heavy, so be sure to act quickly! Visit DriveChicago.com to locate your area’s new-car dealership.

The Chicago Automobile Trade Association will again be offering discounted tickets to the 2013 Chicago Auto Show for schools and groups. Groups of 20 or more will receive a discounted rate of $6 per ticket. These tickets may be used on one of the following days: Monday, February 11 through Friday, February 15 and Monday, February 18. Chaperones for the students will be given complimentary tickets; the ratio that we use is 1:10.

Click here to download school and group ticket order forms.

The special Employee Appreciation Day ticket, produced by the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, admits only the holder and is valid on weekdays.

McCormick Place offers on-site parking. There are three main McCormick Place lots: A, B & C.

• Lot A: $21 (or $30 after 16 hours) 
• Lot B: $14
• Lot C: $21

*After 6 p.m. during Chicago Auto Show dates, parking rates will drop to $10 for all three lots.

Parking fees can be paid by cash or credit card; VISA, MasterCard and American Express are accepted. Parking lots are open throughout event hours. Overnight parking is not available, and there are no in-and-out privileges.

Yes, you can park in the Soldier Field lot. The Chicago Auto Show does not operate that lot or set rates. However, we will provide.  a free shuttle from the Soldier Field lot every day EXCEPT for Sunday, Feb 17. Buses run between the Center Aisle at 18th Street in the stadium lot and Gate 27 at McCormick Place. Be sure to return to Gate 27 for the return trip!

Shuttles operate each day beginning at 10 a.m. The last departure from McCormick Place is 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (Feb. 9-10); 10:30 p.m. Monday-Friday (Feb. 11-15); 11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16; and 9 p.m. Monday, Feb. 18.

On weekends show-goers can park offsite at either Millennium Park Garage or East Monroe Garage. The Chicago Auto Show runs a free shuttle service on the weekends (Saturdays and Sundays only) for those who park in the Millennium or East Monroe Garages. The free weekend shuttles stop in 10-15 minute intervals near Columbus/Lower Randolph and at Gate 3 at McCormick Place.

The automobile entrance for the Millennium Garage is on South Columbus Drive between Monroe Street (from the south, heading north) and Randolph Street (from the north, heading south).

Yes, shuttle service will be offered from the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers to the Chicago Auto Show. However, the exact schedule is still being determined. Please check back after the New Year for shuttle service frequency.

Valet parking is offered by the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, which adjoins the convention center but is limited for those not staying at the hotel.

Attendants at any of the Standard Parking lots surrounding McCormick Place open at 5 a.m. daily. The Chicago Auto Show opens at 10 a.m. each day.

Yes, the buses can accommodate strollers.

Wheelchairs and motorized scooters are available for rent at the McCormick Place. To make a reservation, please contact Scootaround's toll-free hotline at 1-888-441-7575. Motorized scooters are $50 a day; wheelchairs are $20. For more details, visit ScootAround.com. Scootaround is located at Gate 4 of McCormick Place (on the west end of the Grand Concourse).
 

Yes, all McCormick Place parking lots include a number of stalls reserved for handicapped parkers.

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own motorized scooter or wheelchair to the Chicago Auto Show. 

All of the lots have stalls reserved for handicapped occupants. However, Lot A is closest in distance to the show floor. Lot A’s entrance is at I-55 and Martin Luther King Drive.

American Sightseeing Chicago operates the trolley shuttles for McCormick Place lots: the 31st Street lot (Lot B in McCormick-speak) and the Soldier Field lots. To secure a shuttle with chairlift capacity, call American Sightseeing at 800-621-4153 when you park, and the company will dispatch one to you.

Yes, assistance pets are permitted in the Chicago Auto Show.

Yes, there are handicap accessible restrooms for guests at the Chicago Auto Show in the McCormick Place. There is one restroom on the building's fourth floor, near Room S400, that accommodates one customer at a time if needed.

Yes, elevators are accessible for use at the show. The elevators operate during the entirety of the Chicago Auto Show.

There are two elevated food courts on the show floor in the South Hall and another large food court on the show floor in the North Hall.

Yes, handicapped individuals can be dropped off at the horseshoe-shaped taxi stand that is accessible at Martin Luther King Drive and what essentially is 23rd Street. Just show your handicap placard to police directing traffic, if the vehicle's license plate doesn't include the symbol, and the police will give you access to the taxi area.

King Drive runs north/south, separating the McCormick Place North/South and McCormick Place West facilities, and the taxi stand is about equidistant between Cermak Road (22nd Street) and the Stevenson Expressway.

The Chicago Auto Show is proud to announce its official hotel partners for 2013: the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers and the Waldorf Astoria Chicago. Tentative rates include:

• Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers: $115 for a standard guest room or $145 for an upgraded Club Level room
• Waldorf Astoria Chicago: $225 for a Classic King guest room or $285 for an upgraded Executive Suite

Yes, shuttle service will be offered from both the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers and the Waldorf Astoria Chicago. However, the exact schedule is still being determined. Please check back after the New Year for shuttle service frequency.

The Chicago Auto Show has a variety of food options available to appeal to a variety of tastes. The following restaurants are open at McCormick Place during the Chicago Auto Show: 

• Café North - A great place to grab a quick salad or beverage conveniently located in the Grand Concourse at the at the entrance of the North Hall. (Carryout or eat-in, limited menu).
• Café South - A great place to grab a quick sandwich, salad or beverage, located in the south end of the Transportation Lobby on Level 1 of the South Hall. Open for breakfast and lunch. (Carry-out or eat-in, limited menu).
• Connie’s - Proudly featuring Chicago’s own Connie’s Pizza, along with a variety of other Italian favorites, salads and sandwiches. Located on Level 2 in the North Building. (Carry-out or eat-in).
• The Fine Print Restaurant - Located on Level 2.5 at the entrance of the food court in the Grand Concourse, the Fine Print Restaurant serves excellent steaks, salads and other American favorites. This is the place for the 'perfect' business lunch. Full menu.
• McDonald’s Express - Located on the Level 2 lobby of the North Hall. (Carryout or eat -in).
• Miller Inn - Located on level 3 of the Grand Concourse.
• NetWorks - Located in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place hotel, this restaurant and lounge services Chicago-style classics in a unique interior. (Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily).
• Perks - Grab a cup of coffee before you hit the show floor. This coffee shop is located in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place hotel with direct access to McCormick Place Convention Center.
• The Plate Room / Food Court - This food court is located on the west side of Level 2.5 in the Grand Concourse. Various stations offer everything from burgers to ethnic dishes, including a fabulous salad bar and other health conscious offerings. (Full menu, open daily for breakfast and lunch).
• Ryba’s Fudge Shop - Ryba’s offers a fabulous assortment of freshly made fudge and chocolate for your enjoyment. Ice cream, milk shakes, frozen yogurt, nuts and candies round out this menu. It is located on Level 2.5 in the retail area of the Grand Concourse. (Open daily).
• Starbucks Coffee - Let a Starbucks Barrista start your day off right! Located on the 2.5 & 3 levels of the Grand Concourse, Starbucks is a pleasing addition to our Complex.
• Vending Machines - For your convenience, food and beverage vending machines featuring national brands are located in each building and accessible 24-hours a day.

Food and beverage vendors on the show floor accept cash, and are unlikely to accept credit cards for payment. Restaurants in McCormick Place near the show floor do accept credit cards for payment.
 

Yes, alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at the Chicago Auto Show but quantities purchased off-site cannot be brought into the show.

Yes, that is permitted. Food and beverages are also available for purchase on-site.

The benevolent 2013 First Look for Charity black-tie event will take place this year on Friday, February 8 from 7-11 p.m.

First Look for Charity requires a strict black-tie dress code. Males are required to wear a tuxedo and females should wear an elegant dress or gown.

Should you forget your tuxedo, we will conveniently have a rental company on-site.

To purchase your ticket and to find additional details regarding the event, please visit FirstLookForCharity.org.

For packages of 25 or more tickets, please call the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, producers of the Chicago Auto Show, at 630-495-2282.

Yes, two lucky attendees will have the chance win the event's grand prizes: a 2013 Buick Encore and a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe.

Children are more than welcome to attend First Look for Charity. However, the ticket price remains the same amount at $250 per individual, despite their age. Additionally, all attendees must wear black-tie clothing (a tuxedo for males; an appropriate dress or gown for females).

For the 2013 First Look for Charity Gala, $207 of each $250 ticket is deductible as a charitable expense, for tax purposes.

You may send a letter indicating a desire for consideration to:
 
First Look for Charity
18W200 Butterfield Rd.
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

Please explain the reason you’d like to be considered along with your charity’s cause. If admitted, a charity can participate in the event up to nine years. Please understand that many area organizations have appealed for consideration, so the wait to join is long.

Unfortunately, not if you’re staying at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place hotel. However, if you park in the 31st Street lot (Lot B), a shuttle bus will deliver you to the building. Other options include: Lot A parking garage off of Martin Luther King Drive or Lot C which is beneath the Lakeside Center and a short walking distance to the event. 

The 2013 Media Preview of 2013 Chicago Auto Show will be held on Thursday, February – Friday, February 8.

To apply for media credentials, please click here. Please allow at least 48 hours for us to confirm your request.

These details will be posted here closer to the show.

We will display the full map of exhibitors on our website after the New Year. These details will be posted here.

Every vehicle that enters the building during move-in remains in the show until its conclusion.

No selling is permitted on the show floor – that is the beauty of the Chicago Auto Show! Product specialists will be on-site to help answer all of your questions regarding the cars on display. Should you be interested in purchasing a vehicle, representatives can direct you to your closest dealership so you can initiate that process.

Yes, vintage automobiles will be displayed by the Classic Car Club of America and the Model T Car Club, located in the South Hall of McCormick Place.

Yes, the Illinois Secretary of State's booth will be located in the Chicago Auto Show's South Hall. Visitors to the booth can renew their driver’s license (vision screening only) and ID card. Additional services provided include vehicle transfers, vehicle sticker sales, passenger and B-Truck license plates, specialty license plates, vehicle title and registration, parking placards for person with disabilities, and pick-a-plate. The public also can register to be organ/tissue donors.

Yes, all show attendees can ride as passengers with the professional drivers on the five designated tracks.

Show-goers have the opportunity to ride as passengers with the professional drivers on the featured tracks, but are not allowed to drive the vehicles themselves. Therefore, no documents are required.

There is no designated age limit, but guests must be at least 42 inches tall in order to ride in the vehicles on the test track.

The special guest appearance schedule will be posted here after the New Year so please be sure to check back at that time.

 We sure are, and even have some special pricing available.

• Tuesday, February 12: Women's Day. Women are admitted for $6. Manufacturers will present special women-oriented programs on the purchase and lease of cars and maintenance.
• Wednesday, February 13 through Friday, February 15: Chicago Auto Show Food Drive. Show patrons who bring three cans of food will receive a coupon for $6 admission. All food will be donated to A Safe Haven Foundation.
• Friday, February 15: Telemundo Hispanic Day. For more information, visit http://www.telemundochicago.com.

The Chicago Auto Show management does not hire individuals. Rather, it retains firms that provide ushers and security. For such work, contact AF Services, (630) 279-0500. Many other workers in the building are employees of McCormick Place, (312) 791-7000.

People who set up and dismantle the displays are arranged for by the show's general contractor, GES Exposition Services, (773) 767-2237 or chicago@ges.com.

As for the people who work in the various exhibits, they are hired by the vehicle manufacturers, like Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge. For those opportunities, suggest you turn to the websites of the vehicle manufacturers and search the sites either for Employment or Contact Us.

Chicago Auto Show management does not hire models; they are retained by the exhibitors themselves. The automakers turn primarily to three Detroit-area agencies and hire models months before the auto show in order to train them. You can inquire about modeling on the auto show circuit by contacting the modeling agencies:

• Affiliated Models, Inc., Southfield, Mich., (248) 799-5070, www.affiliatedgroup.com/
• Gail & Rice Productions, Southfield, Mich., (248) 799-5000, www.gail-rice.com/
• Productions Plus, Birmingham, Mich., (800) 437-9815, www.productions-plus.com/