To help Chicago stay competitive in the convention space, a new arena has opened at McCormick Place, one designed to draw both conventioneers and regular citizens.
The just-opened 10,000+-seat Wintrust Arena – owned by the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority – will feature a year-round calendar of events while serving as the home of the DePaul University and Chicago Sky basketball teams. Bob Dylan will play the venue’s inaugural concert on Oct. 27. ESD was heavily involved in the creation of the complex structure, providing mechanical, engineering, plumbing, fire protection, fire alarm, controls, security, energy modeling and sustainability consulting services.