EVENT

The 98th Chicago Auto Show.

BACKGROUND

First staged in 1901, the Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show in North America and has been held more times than any other auto exposition on the continent. 2006 marks the 98th edition of the show.

PRODUCER

The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), the nation’s oldest and largest metropolitan dealer organization. The CATA has produced the show since 1935.

DATES

Public Show:	Friday, Feb. 10 through Sunday, Feb. 19
Charity Gala:	"First Look for Charity" – Thursday, Feb. 9, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Black tie. Tickets $200. The event benefits 19 Chicago-area charities. For tickets, call 630-424-1636.
Via Internet:	ChicagoAutoShow.com offers online media registration until Jan 20. Credentials applied for after Jan 20 must be picked up in the show media center, Room N426 of McCormick Place.

LOCATION

McCormick Place , Lake Shore Drive at 23 rd Street.

The Chicago Auto Show utilizes 1.2 million sq. ft. (111,200 sq. M.) of the McCormick Place South complex. McCormick Place offers a total of 2.2 million sq. ft. (204,600 sq. M.) with an additional 255,000 sq. ft. (23,715 sq. M.) of meeting room availability.

PUBLIC SHOW HOURS

Box office closes one hour prior to the end of the show each day.

ADMISSION

$10 for adults; $5 for seniors aged 62 and older; $5 for children 7-12; children 6 and younger are free when they accompany a paying parent. Advance ticket purchase is available through DriveChicago.com. Weekday discount tickets (half off the regular adult admission) available at various area new-car dealers and from participating banks and Shell gas stations. Weekday group discounts available.

EXHIBITS

The nations largest auto show, held in the McCormick Place complex. Multiple world and North American introductions. Complete range of domestic and imported passenger cars and trucks; sport utility vehicles, experimental and concept cars. In total, nearly 1,000 different vehicles. Numerous accessories and auto-related exhibits, competition vehicles, project, antique and collector cars.

SPECIAL DAYS

Tuesday, Feb. 14 – Women’s Day . Half off the full admission price for all women. Manufacturers will present special women-oriented programs on the purchase and lease of cars and maintenance.

Wednesday, Feb. 15 – Friday, Feb. 17 – Chicago Auto Show Food Drive . Show patrons who bring three cans of food, donated to the Chicago Christian Industrial League; will receive half off the full admission price.

As scheduled: Appearances by sports, radio, TV and screen personalities. Please check www.chicagoautoshow.com/infocenter/events/ for up-to-date listings.

ACCESSIBILITY

Easily reached by car or public transportation.

Extensive shuttle bus service from all area parking lots to and from McCormick Place.

Weekend-only shuttle service from the Millennium Park underground lot. Shuttles stop in 10-15 minute intervals near Columbus/Lower Randolph and at Gate 3 at McCormick Place.