Title
PROVISIONAL APPROVAL FOR SPECIAL EVENTS & AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO A MULTI-YEAR PERMIT AGREEMENT WITH NIANTIC TO HOLD POKEMON GO FEST IN GRANT PARK
Body
To the Honorable Board of Commissioners of the Chicago Park District
I. Recommendation
Pursuant to Chapter VII, Section C.3.c of the Code of the Chicago Park District, it is recommended that the Board of Commissioners review and make a determination of provisional approval or denial for special event permit applications with an attendance of 10,000 or more per day. It is recommended that the General Superintendent and CEO or his designee enter into a multi-year permit agreement with Niantic to hold Pok?mon GO Fest in Grant Park.
II. Information
Parties: Niantic
Contract Type: Multi-year permit agreement
Contract Term: One (1) year (2026) with an option to extend for an additional 1 year (2027)
Contract Fees: Permit Fee:
2026 - $1,044,488
2027 - $1,065,377
Capital Contribution: Niantic will contribute an additional 10% of the permit fee to the "give back to the parks" to fund to capital improvements in Grant Park.
Authorization: Authorize the General Counsel to include other relevant terms and conditions in the written Agreement. Authorize the General Superintendent to execute the Agreement and the related extension options and the Secretary to attest as to the signing of the Agreement and keep an original copy of the Agreement on file.
III. Budget and Financial Information
Budget Classification: Operating
Fiscal Year: 2026-2027
Source of Funds: n/a
IV. Explanation
Pok?mon GO Fest has had three successful events on Chicago Park District property in 2017-2019 in Lincoln Park and Grant Park. Niantic has hosted events in other cities domestic and international. Pok?mon GO Fest is a family friendly event that welcomes everyone. It will feature local food vendors, merchandise sales and activations. Grant Park will remain open and accessible to the general public during the activation. Dra...
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