Seating Information
McCormick Place in Chicago, IL is North America's largest convention center, offering multiple venues within its campus for different types of events.
- Arie Crown Theater (South Building): A dedicated 4,249-seat theater with tiered, fixed seating and excellent sightlines. Ideal for concerts and performances — this is the best venue within McCormick Place for a traditional show experience.
- Main Exhibit Halls (North, South, West, Lakeside): Massive halls converted into GA standing floors, theater-style seating, or floor sections for large concerts and events. Configuration depends entirely on the specific event.
- Meeting Rooms & Ballrooms: Smaller, more intimate spaces used for conferences, award ceremonies, and smaller performances.
Best sections: Orchestra and mezzanine in the Arie Crown Theater for performances; front-floor sections for large hall events. Sections to avoid: Far corners of large exhibit halls may have obstructed views for stage events. We recommend verifying the seating map for each specific event.
Parking Information
McCormick Place offers extensive on-site parking across three lots, with additional off-site options nearby.
- Lot A: Most convenient for the North and Lakeside buildings. Rate: $27 (up to 16 hours), $40 (16–24 hours). Enter at 2200–2220 S Prairie Ave.
- Lot B: Flat rate of $18/day. A good budget option for full-day events.
- Lot C: Closest to the Arie Crown Theater (South Building). GPS: 2227 Fort Dearborn Dr. Best for theater and south building events.
- Rideshare: Uber and Lyft designated drop-off zones are available on the east and south sides of the complex.
- CTA Transit: The Cermak-McCormick Place Green Line station is a short walk from the complex — an excellent alternative to avoid traffic and parking fees.
We recommend booking off-site parking through SpotHero or ParkWhiz to secure lower rates in advance.
Box Office & Ticket Information
Ticketing at McCormick Place varies by event. Each show or convention manages its own ticketing independently.
- Arie Crown Theater: Has a dedicated box office for performances. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and the theater's official channels.
- Large Event Ticketing: Major conventions and events use portable and permanent box office stations on-site. Both electronic/mobile tickets and hard tickets are supported.
- Venue Contact: For general inquiries, call 312-791-7000 or visit mccormickplace.com.
- ADA Access: Accessible seating and services are available throughout the complex. Contact the event organizer or venue for specific accommodations.
