This weekend, Chicago will make maritime history as the first freshwater venue to host America’s Cup racing in the event’s 164-year history.
The Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series Chicago will take place June 10-12, with Navy Pier serving as home base. A racing circuit featuring the best sailors in the world—competing on foiling, wing-sailed catamarans—there’s no reason not to come out and witness, first-hand, this action-packed event.
Navy Pier’s location, combined with the natural layout of the Chicago lakefront, creates a stadium-like viewing environment. Fans and onlookers will experience a single venue pit row experience and the thrill of seeing AC45 catamarans racing at speeds of up to 40 mph, while crossing the finish line seemingly at an arm’s length away.
A qualifying event for the 2017 America’s Cup in Bermuda, six teams will be competing for the Cup including USA, Sweden, Great Britain, Japan, France, and New Zealand. Navy Pier will be the epicenter of the event. The start and finish line will be in the water right off of the Grand Ballroom & East End Plaza.
Tickets and additional information are available here.
America’s Cup Schedule of Events:
Friday, June 10: Preview Day & Opening Ceremony
Practice Day of Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series Oman
12 p.m.: Alvalle Race Village Opens
1:30-3 p.m.: Practice Racing
3-11 p.m.: Beer Garden performances
3:30 p.m.: Poster Signing
4 p.m.: Grinding competition at Race Village Stage
4:40 p.m.: 11th Hour Film Screening in Grand Ballroom
6 p.m.: Race Village closes
7:30-8 p.m.: Opening Ceremony in Grand Ballroom
9:30 p.m. Fireworks show
11 p.m.: Entertainment Zone closes
Saturday, June 11: Race Day 1
Racing Day 2 of Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series Oman
11 a.m.: Alvalle Race Village
11:30 a.m.: America’s Cup Morning Show in Grand Ballroom
12 p.m.: Dock Out Show at Race Village Stage
12:30 p.m.: Beer Garden Performances begin
1:15 p.m.: National Anthem (Jim Cornelison/Chicago Blackhawks)
1:30-3 p.m.: Racing
3:15 p.m.: Sailor Q&A and autographs in Grand Ballroom
4:30 p.m.: 11th Hour Racing Presents Racing Extinction at the IMAX Theatre (free admission)
5 p.m.: Race Village closes
10:15 p.m.: AON Summer Fireworks Show
11 p.m.: All performances end
Sunday, June 12: Race Day 2 & Finals
Training Day 2 – America’s Cup World Series – Portsmouth
11 a.m.: Alvalle Race Village
11:30 a.m.: America’s Cup Morning Show in Grand Ballroom
12 p.m.: Dock Out Show at Race Village Stage and Beer Garden Performances begin
1:15 p.m.: National Anthem
1:30-3 p.m.: Racing
3:15 p.m.: Sailor poster signing in Grand Ballroom
4 p.m.: Awards Ceremony
5 p.m.: Race Village closes
8 p.m. Performances end
Written By Amber Holst
Amber Holst is Vice President & Editorial Director at Concierge Preferred. A native Chicagoan, she’ll happily bend your ear about why Top Notch burgers are a must (as is an Original Rainbow Cone) and can often be found procuring milk candy in Chinatown after dim sum with her partner in crime or rooting on her beloved Green Bay Packers (yes, that’s right) at Will’s Northwoods Inn. Lover of cured meats, prosecco, and good old fashioned “slashies” she considers herself fortunate to be able to promote her hometown for a living. Fun fact? She can play the accordion.