2021 Chicago Auto Show
SummerTimeChi just got a whole lot hotter because the Chicago Auto Show will make its summer debut TOMORROW, July 15th. The Chicago Auto Show special edition will be shorter and with an outdoor element. There will still be a traditional indoor extravaganza of exhibits and test tracks with exciting outdoor activations and test drive opportunities. In addition, the first four evenings of the show will have a festival with the Chicago Auto Show Street Fest.
I was lucky to be one of the chosen social media influencers to preview the autoshow a day before the public opening. During the afternoon hours of Wednesday, July 14, show organizers hosted a small, highly-vetted group of key influencers who create content for a variety of topics ranging from automotive, technology, family, Chicago lifestyle and events. We took a guided tour and got to capture key elements of the special edition show.
Will you be heading to the 2021 Chicago Auto Show Special Edition July 15th – 19th? If so, check out what you have to look forward to below!
2021 Chicago Auto Show Special Edition Public Show
For the first time ever, the Chicago Auto Show will take place in the summer, July 15-19. After months of planning and preparing, this “Special Edition” was the first major event to be approved by city and state officials and will be one of McCormick Place’s first live, in-person events since the pandemic.
“We came up with the concept of a shorter, smaller show and a move to the West Building last year,” said Chicago Auto Show General Manager Dave Sloan. “We wanted to be prepared in the event the pandemic made a 10-day show in February impossible. We knew that coming out of the pandemic this new concept would allow us to experiment with a show significantly different than usual.”
The move to McCormick Place’s West Building and shortened timeframe met two objectives – providing a more pandemic-friendly venue and creating a more-affordable option for exhibitors. A key advantage of the move is the West Building’s immediate proximity to Indiana Ave., which allows exhibitors a better opportunity to host multiple outdoor activations and test drives.
Ford embraced the show’s outdoor space in a big way by adding “Built Wild” and “Built to Electrify” experiences, both making their global debut at the show. Built Wild features a 30,000-sq.-ft. experience where attendees can experience the Bronco family of vehicles. Built to Electrify showcases Ford’s electrified vehicle options. Of course, the Chicago Auto Show will also feature Camp Jeep and Ram Truck Territory. Long-time anchors of the Chicago Auto Show, these fan favorites will feature the new Wrangler 4xe and Ram’s tough trucks.
In addition to the brand-new vehicles that are set to make their global and North American debut at the show, there will be many vehicles on display and/or available for test drives or test track experiences that have never been seen before or are just hitting the market.
Moreover, show organizers are hosting a new outdoor Street Festival the first four evenings of the show, taking place along Indiana Avenue, adjacent from the West Building. The first-ever Chicago Auto Show Street Fest expands the historic Motor Row District turning it into an evening automotive festival featuring the latest vehicles, food trucks, local brews and music.
Chicago Auto Show Street Fest
For the first time, the Chicago Auto Show will feature an outdoor street fest featuring today’s latest vehicles, food trucks, local brews and music. The street fest will take place the first four evenings of the show, July 15-18, along Indiana Avenue, adjacent from McCormick Place’s West Building.
“What a great combination of the Chicago Auto Show’s first street fest and the city’s historic Motor Row District,” said Alderman Pat Dowell. “We’re thrilled to host this event in the South Loop and shine a light on the growing number of businesses opening and re-opening here.”
Attendees who visit on the evenings of July 15-18 will be treated to an array of shiny new cars, trucks and SUVs parked along Indiana Avenue; local food from pop-up food trucks and tents including Smoke Daddy, Tuco and Blondie, Connie’s Pizza, Monk’s Burger Bar, Sausage Fest and Nice Buns; tasty sweets from places like Andy’s Frozen Custard, Cookies w/Flavor and A Sweets Girl Cupcakes; local brews from Chicago-based Goose Island; and music by varying local musicians spanning an array of genres.
Test Tracks, A Chicago Favorite
Fan favorites like Camp Jeep and Ram Truck Territory anchor an amazing array of indoor and outdoor test tracks and activations at this year’s Special Edition of the Chicago Auto Show. As part of Ford’s brand-new outdoor activations, Built Wild and Built to Electrify allows attendees to experience the capabilities of the all-new Bronco and get behind the wheel of Ford’s latest electric the Mustang Mach-E. Additionally, there will be more than a half-dozen test drive opportunities at the show.
“Experiences such as Camp Jeep and Ram Truck Territory are among the top reasons people attend the Chicago Auto Show,” said Chicago Auto Show General Manager Dave Sloan. “This year, we’ve expanded our show outdoors to add even more test tracks like Ford’s Bronco off-road course and the immersive Mach-E experience.”
Built Wild Bronco off-road course is making its global debut and will feature a 30,000-sq.-ft. experience where auto show attendees can participate in a series of hands-on activations including a thrilling ride in a new Bronco. Built to Electrify also makes its global debut, bringing consumers a 11,000-sq.-ft. experience showcasing how Ford intends to lead the electric revolution in America with a range of vehicles.
Indoors, Camp Jeep features an 18-ft., 35-degree “mountain” where passengers experience the extreme off-road and traction capabilities of Jeep’s latest vehicles — including the brand-new Wrangler. Ram Truck Territory is a 28,000-sq.-ft. ultimate in-truck adventure offering attendees the opportunity to experience the trucks’ technology, refinement and capabilities. Riders will tackle “Ram Mountain,” a 13-ft. high, 30-ft. long course element with 30-degree approach and departure angles.
For more information on The Chicago Auto Show head to www.chicagoautoshow.com
For tickets head to tickets.drivechicago.com: NOTE ALL TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED ONLINE
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