Commencement > Wintrust Arena > Parking, Transportation & Hotels

Parking, Transportation & Hotels

All ceremonies (except for the College of Law) will be held at Wintrust Arena, located at 200 E. Cermak Road, Chicago, IL 60616.

The ceremony will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.

Street Closures

Please take note of expected street closures due to construction. We recommend you plan ahead and allow extra time when traveling.

DuSable Lake Shore Drive

SpotHero Parking

Nearby parking is limited. We recommend booking convenient and affordable parking in advance through SpotHero, the nation's leading parking reservations app.

To reserve your parking spot for the DePaul University's Commencement, visit the Wintrust Arena SpotHero Parking Page.

Garage Parking

There are three parking lots at McCormick Place, Lot A, B and C. Lot parking can be reserved at this link.

Parking Lot A is the closest to the Wintrust Area and has access to the pedestrian bridges to the Wintrust Arena, Marriott Marquis Chicago and Hyatt Regency McCormick Place. Please be aware that Parking Lot A is expected to reach capacity quickly.

It is encouraged that any guests with disabilities or limited mobility be dropped off close to the Wintrust Arena to avoid having to travel between the parking lots and the venue.

For a GPS location to Lot A, use 2301 South Prairie Avenue, Chicago, IL 60616 as your destination.

Public Transportation

Public transportation is the most affordable and convenient way to get to Wintrust Arena. We encourage you and your guests to use public transportation or taxi/rideshare options. Wintrust Arena is accessible by city bus and elevated train.

Hotels

For hotels in the immediate vicinity of the Wintrust Arena, please see the Marriott Marquis Chicago and the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place. Please see the Demon Discounts website for additional information about travel and hotel discounts.

Taxi Services

More than 5,800 city taxis are at your service in Chicago. Facility direction signs and personnel at the Concierge Desk will direct attendees to gates that are designated for your event.

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Bus System

#3 King Drive bus is the most common bus route to the Wintrust Arena, running north/south along Michigan Avenue. The #3 stop is at Michigan Avenue and Cermak Road. It serves many downtown hotels, as well as the Magnificent Mile and Water Tower Place.

#21 Cermak Road bus runs East/West along Cermak Road. The #21 stop is at Michigan Avenue and Cermak Road.

#4 Cottage Grove bus runs North/South along Michigan Avenue, two blocks west of the Wintrust Arena. The #4 stop is at Michigan Avenue and Cermak Road.

Payment for these transportation options is via Cash or Ventra Card. A Ventra Transit Card may be purchased at any of the train or elevated stations, and must be used to pay elevated train fares. You may also download the Ventra App through your favorite App Store. If using cash on buses you must have the exact fare.

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Elevated Rail System - "L"

The CTA Cermak-McCormick Place Green Line Station (Chicago, IL) station is located at Cermak Road and State Street, 2.5 blocks (0.15 mile) west of the Wintrust Arena at Cermak Road and Indiana Ave.

The CTA Cermak-Chinatown Red Line Station (Chicago, IL) is located four blocks west (0.5 mile) of the Wintrust Arena and two blocks west of the Cermak-McCormick Place Green Line Station.

Payment for these transportation options is via Cash or Ventra Card. A Ventra Transit Card may be purchased at any of the train or elevated stations, and must be used to pay elevated train fares. You may also download the Ventra App through your favorite App Store.

METRA Rail (The Electric Line)

Located on Level 2.5 of the Grand Concourse in the South Building, the METRA Electric commuter railroad provides direct service within seven minutes to and from downtown Chicago. Service from the Millennium (Randolph St.) Station (near the Fairmont Hotel) to McCormick Place begins early morning, with more frequent pick-ups during rush hours.

Parking Lot A (2301 South Prairie Avenue, Chicago, IL 60616)

Parking Lot A (8′ height clearance) is a six level garage with 2,100 parking spaces located on Martin Luther King Drive, adjacent to the West Building. Covered walkways from Lot A leading directly into McCormick Place and the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Hotel also provide added convenience. The parking rate is $25 for up to 16 hours and $38 from 16 to 24 hours.* There are no in-and-out privileges. Overnight parking is available in Lot A only. Lost tickets will pay the $38 (overnight) fee per day.

* Credit cards are accepted.

Parking Lot B (3050 South Moe Drive, Chicago, IL 60616)

Parking Lot B (also known as 31st Street Lot) is an outdoor surface parking lot located at 31st Street near Lake Shore Drive South and Moe Drive. It holds over 1,800 vehicles. The parking rate is a flat fee of $16 per day with no in-and-out privileges.* This parking lot is open throughout event hours. Overnight parking is not available.

* Credit Cards are accepted.

Parking Lot C (Fort Dearborn Drive, Chicago, IL 60616)

Parking Lot C (6’4″ height clearance) is an underground garage with 1,900 parking spaces and is located on Ft. Dearborn Drive, adjacent to the Lakeside Center. The parking rate is a flat fee of $25 per day with no in-and-out privileges.* This parking lot is open throughout event hours. Overnight parking is not available.