Frequently Asked Questions

The following Frequently Asked Questions are now divided into two categories:

Kruze Questions
Car Show Questions

Kruze Questions

What are the hours of the Kruze?

Vehicles may enter the Kruze between 8AM and 10AM on Saturday, May 31st.

What sort of vehicles may participate in the cruise?

The Chi-Town STA-BIL Kruze is open to all street legal vehicles!

Where do I line up for the Kruze?

Based on an overwhelming positive response, we are using the same Kruze route as last year. The three mile loop circuit starts at Buckingham Fountain and follows Columbus Drive to Roosevelt Road, turns right on Michigan Ave to Randolph Street, and then right again to Columbus Drive. This spectacular route takes you past many of Chicago's most treasured landmarks including The Art Institute, Millennium Park and Grant Park. Cars are encouraged to make multiple loops, driving clockwise from the fountain, before heading to the Soldier Field South Lot. Participants and spectators will be permitted to park on Columbus Drive between Jackson and Balbo in order to view the cars as they cruise.

Will there be spectators along the Kruze route?

Yes. Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park on Columbus between Jackson and Balbo is Show Center for the Chi Town STA-BIL Kruze! Cars will be lined up on both side of Columbus and the Kruzers will get a chance to slow down and strut their stuff! Also there will be great viewing areas on the east side of Michigan Ave. all the way between Roosevelt and Randolph.

Are there any other rules I should be aware of?

Yes! You must obey all traffic laws: no stopping, burn-outs or racing allowed.

Can visitors park at the Kruze and then go the Car Show at Soldier Field?

Yes. A shuttle bus will transport visitors from Buckingham Fountain to the Car Show at Soldier Field. Shuttle Busses will run from 9am until 3pm on show day.

Car Show Questions

What’s new at the Chi Town STA-BIL Kruze?

The 2008 Chi-Town STA-BIL Kruze will feature the Ford Mustang at this year's car show. All Mustangs are welcome (any model prior to 1988 and limited numbers of late model Mustangs with unique styling or customization) and will be displayed in a special section of the Car Show at Soldier Field (South Lot). There will also be a designated section for Special Interest and Tuner cars.

What are the hours of the car show?

The car show is open to the public from 10AM until 3PM.

Where is the admission gate for registered cars?

In the Soldier Field South Parking lot which is accessible from Lake Shore Drive and 18th Street.

How early can I park my car?

We will begin accepting vehicles for car show at 8AM. All cars must be parked by 10:30AM. Doors open for visitors at 11AM.

How much space will be available for displaying my vehicle?

A 5-foot space will be allowed between each vehicle. All arrangements for extra space must be made prior to the event.

Will I be able to park my car together with other members of my car club?

If your car club pre-registered 10 or more cars prior to the event date, we will try to accommodate you by reserving space for your car club. Please let the gate attendant know when you check in that you'd like to park with your group. This is an experiment and we expect it will lead to delays, so be prepared for a bit of a wait! If you are not part of a group of 10 or more, parking is on a first, come, first save basis. We will fill the lot, front to back, left to right as cars arrive. The only way to be sure to park next to a friend is to arrive together!

Will I be able to leave early?

We would prefer if you stay until the end of the show. However, if you must leave early, we require that your car be escorted from the premises by our security. Please ask a volunteer to assist you.

Can I register the day of the event?

Registration is limited to the first 750 cars. If there is room on show day, we will accept late registrations at a rate of $20 per vehicle. One half of you registration fee will be donated to Ronald McDonald House ® Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. Please consider registering early to avoid confusion on show day.

Is there an admission charge for visitors to the car show?

Yes. These is an admission charge of $5 per person. Children under 12 get in free. 100% of admission fees are donated to Ronal McDonald House ® Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, our official charity sponsor.

Where can visitors park?

Parking is available at Soldier Field in the Waldron Deck parking structure located just north of the show site. You can access the parking deck form 18th Street and Lake Shore Drive. There is also parking available in the Grant Park and Monroe Street garages.

Is there trailer parking available?

Where is the admission gate for visitors?

Visitor gates are located on the east side of the show field.

Will beer or liquor be served at the event?

No. Our permit does not allow liquor of any kind on the show grounds. Please refrain from carrying in alcohol in your vehicles or on your person.

Can I bring my dog or other pet to the car show?

No. Pets are not allowed on the show grounds.

Can I bring a tent or other structure to set up next to my car?

Car clubs who pre-register 10 or more cars will be provided with a special area for car club tents. Unfortunately, space restrictions do not allow for individual tents. However, you may bring lawn chairs and freestanding umbrellas.

Can I bring a bicycle or golf cart?

For your peace off mind, we will not permit bicycles or skateboards on the show grounds; foot traffic only. No public golf carts, mini bikes or other motorized vehicles will be allowed unless properly identified with a handicapped sticker.

What happens if it rains?

The Chi Town Kruze is a rain or shine event!

Can my car club sell t-shirts at the event?

Participants are not allowed to sell products, food or beverages of any kind. If you wish to rent a vending space, please contact the event organizers.

When will I receive my confirmation package and goody bag?

If you pre-register at least 10 days prior to the event, your confirmation package containing a dash placard, participant choice ballot and other pertinent information will be mailed to you. Otherwise, you may pick up your confirmation package at the event site. Goody bags will be distributed as you enter the show site.

Can I bring food to the event?

There will be concessions on site with food and soft drinks for purchase. We will allow coolers with sandwiches and soft drinks, however grilling or otherwise preparing food will be prohibited.

Can I get a refund for my show entry?

No. All registration fees are final.

Will there be security on the show field?

Yes.

Will there be a place to wash my car?

No.

If I register my car for the show how many people can I bring?

Driver and passengers will be admitted to the show with your registration.

Can I put a "For Sale" sign on my car?

The Chi Town Kruze is a car show, not a sale or swap meet. We would prefer if you would use other means to sell your vehicle.

Will there be judging and prizes?

Of course, it wouldn't be a car show without trophies! We've added several new award categories this year. In addition to the Gold Eagle Best in Show Award, we will have prizes for Participant's Choice (4 Places), People's Choice, Kid's Choice, Most Creative Display Award, Feature Car presented by Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Chevy Dealers and Feature Car presented by Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Ford Dealers. Even Mark Giangreco, our trophy presenter for the past two years will give an award for his personal choice of best car.

How does voting work?

Participant's Choice, People's Choice and Kids Choice will be tabulated using a new text messaging system provided by one of our new sponsors, Interactive Medium. Instructions are printed on the ballot. If you still need help, visit the Interactive Medium booth adjacent to the show tent.

Is there an admission charge for visitors to the car show?

NO. The admission to the car show is FREE.