Event center will create Chicago tourism jobs

Posted on December 9, 2015

A new event center will create thousands of Chicago tourism jobs.

The McCormick Place Event Center represents a public-private partnership between the MPEA and DePaul that will create thousands of jobs and inject millions of dollars into the local economy.

The Event Center will have the capacity to host general sessions for conventions and trade shows, graduation ceremonies, concerts and other special events, as well as serve as home court for DePaul University’s women’s and men’s basketball teams.

Development of the facility and other tourism investments will create 7,400 construction jobs. Upon completion of the Entertainment District, MPEA projects that an additional $250 million per year will be spent in the area, which should support more than 2,500 new jobs.

“MPEA is proud to share this groundbreaking with Mayor Emanuel, the City of Chicago, DePaul University, the labor community and all other parties that have helped to make this a reality,” said Greenberg. “The Event Center puts forth an example of an important public-private partnership that provides a true public benefit and serves as a model of collaboration in the future. We are confident that the Event Center along with the other elements of the McCormick Place experience, will have strong economic impact on Chicago for many years to come.”

“DePaul University is looking forward to this new facility that will bring the Blue Demons closer to the largest segment of our fan base and student body,” said Rev. Holtschneider. “Our previous public-private partnerships with the City of Chicago have enhanced other neighborhoods and we are pleased that we can assist MPEA and the city on this project that will revitalize the McCormick Place neighborhood.”

The new McCormick Place Event Center is designed by the internationally-renowned architecture firm Pelli Clarke Pelli. The new building will be unique from an architectural standpoint but will also complement McCormick Place and the surrounding area. The Event Center will be part of a vibrant and walkable urban experience for convention-goers, local residents and visitors from across the city. This activity will serve as a further catalyst for economic development of the historic Motor Row along South Michigan Avenue and other surrounding areas.