Overview
- The city’s new attendance limit is less than half the 2021 COVID-era cap of 3,494 and far below typical pre-pandemic levels of roughly 4,000–5,000 on site.
- Organizers say the change stems from a fresh interpretation of municipal code that was communicated roughly 12 hours before opening day.
- Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office did not immediately respond to questions as organizers held a press conference and began talks to seek a higher limit.
- Vendors report revenue declines of about 40% and warn of reduced hours for seasonal workers, with organizers citing an estimated $196 million in annual economic activity and more than 1,700 jobs at stake.
- Visitors encountered long entry lines around the Daley Center, with reported waits ranging from 35 minutes to more than 50 minutes before being allowed inside.