Taking Metra to the Chicago Blackhawks Parade? Here's What You Need to Know

Extra Naperville Metra Trains

Inbound added BNSF train lines include:

• Train No. 9660 at 8:20 a.m. departing Aurora, making all stops to Naperville, and running express to Chicago
• Train No. 9562 at 9:10 a.m. departing Aurora, making all stops to Downers Main Street, and running express to Chicago 

Outbound added BNSF train lines from Chicago’s Union Station include:

• Train No. 9531 at 12:20 p.m. running express to Downers Main Street and making all stops to Aurora
• Train No. 9533 at 1:28 p.m.  running express to Downers Main St. and making all stops to Aurora
• Train No. 9535 at 2:25 p.m. running express to Naperville/Route 59
• Train No. 9539 at 3:10 p.m. running express to Naperville/Route 59
• Train No. 9543 at 3:50 p.m. running express to Naperville/Route 59

All Metra schedules are subject to change and may be revised Friday, June 28. Downers Grove residents and commuters are encouraged to check Metra’s website at www.metrarail.com before they travel. Due to the event, Metra will be banning bikes and alcohol from all trains on Friday, June 28.

RALLY

There will be two public entrances to the rally, located at Jackson and Michigan and Congress and Michigan. To accommodate the anticipated crowds, a jumbotron will be positioned at the side of the stage for enhanced viewing of the program and team, and additional jumbotrons will be set up on Columbus at Balbo and at Congress to accommodate the crowd.

PARADE ROUTE

The official parade route will begin at Des Plaines Street and Washington Street and proceed east until Wabash Street.  Fans who want to catch the downtown parade are encouraged to see them along this route.

From there the motorcade will proceed east to Michigan Avenue; travel north to Randolph Street and east along Randolph to Columbus Drive.

Fans may also attend the parade route along Columbus Drive, between Monroe Street and Balbo Street, heading south.

TRANSPORTATION

(1) Streets along the parade route and in the Loop could be shut down by 8 a.m. and access to many parking garages could be restricted. Advice is don't drive.

(2) Double-decker buses featuring the team and front office personnel will ride to the rally beginning at approximately 10:30 a.m. from the United Center.

(3) Metra offers special $5 ticket and adds service for Hawks rally. Bikes and alcohol to be banned on all trains Friday.

Metra will be adding service on most of its lines and offering a special one-day only $5 unlimited ride ticket to accommodate Chicago Blackhawks fans attending the downtown parade and rally on Friday, June 28, 2013, to celebrate the team’s success in winning the 2013 Stanley Cup.

Take the West Line from Geneva, and get your tickets in advance. Detailed service information is available at www.transitchicago.com.

IMPACTED STREET CLOSURES

All east/west streets located in between Roosevelt Road to Randolph Street from Michigan Avenue to Lake Shore Drive will be closed for the celebration beginning at 12 a.m. They include Balbo Avenue, Jackson Street and Monroe Street, but Congress will remain open.

Motorists should anticipate additional street closures as necessary due to crowd size to ensure the public safety of pedestrians and parade attendees.

WEATHER

The weather forecast for Friday is 77 degrees with a chance of rain. Fans are encouraged to dress accordingly and make sure to stay hydrated throughout the day.

RANDOM ADVICE

Additionally, the Chicago Police Department reminds attendees that anyone carrying a backpacks or large bags must undergo additional screening.  Coolers are not allowed into the rally and that there will be zero tolerance for drinking alcohol on the public way.