Blue Demon Welcome: New Student Convocation celebrates the beginning of the DePaul journey for all new undergrads including freshman and transfer students. The newest members of DePaul will join a proud community founded on the principles of learning, service and justice at this event. Here, be inspired to experience all the challenges and opportunities that will fuel academic, personal and professional growth.
The first-ever Blue Demon Welcome on September 10 was a huge success! Check out some pictures of the day here:
Check back here for information about Blue Demon Welcome 2020 as we get closer to the 2020-21 academic year!
Day-of Travel Information for Students
Discover Chicago Students
Don't forget to wear your "Playing Possessed" shirt!
You will attend the Blue Demon Welcome with your
Discover Chicago class. Plan to
arrive at your Immersion Week classroom on the Lincoln Park campus by 8:30 a.m. Your class will take the CTA to the event.
Following
the Blue Demon Welcome:
Discover Chicago students will travel with their class and participate in
DePaul’s New Student Service Day (NSSD).
Discover Honors students will participate in the Honors Retreat from 12:30-4:30 p.m.
Transfer and Explore Chicago Students Living On-campus
Don't forget to wear your "Playing Possessed" t-shirt!
You will take shuttle buses to the event. Plan to arrive at the Lincoln Park Student Center Room 120 by 8:30 a.m. or the Loop campus (Van Buren entrance of DePaul Center) by 9 a.m.
Following the Blue Demon Welcome:
All Honors Explore students will participate in the Honors Retreat from 12:30-4:30 p.m.
All other Explore students should travel to the Loop campus for free lunch and fun activities as part of Explore the Loop! There will be scavenger hunts, Avengers: Endgame screenings and other fun activities! Free shuttles will transport students from Wintrust to the Loop campus.
Transfer and Explore Chicago Students Living Off-campus
Don't forget to wear your "Playing Possessed" t-shirt!
Plan to arrive at the Lincoln Park Student Center Room 120 by 8:30 a.m. or the Loop campus (Van Buren entrance of DePaul Center) by 9 a.m. Transportation to Wintrust Arena will be provided from these locations. Or if it's easier for you, you can just meet us there!
Following the Blue Demon Welcome:
All Honors Explore Chicago students will participate in the Honors Retreat from 12:30-4:30 p.m.
All other Explore students should travel to the Loop campus for free lunch and fun activities as part of Explore the Loop! There will be scavenger hunts, Avengers: Endgame screenings and other fun activities! Free shuttles will transport students from Wintrust to the Loop campus.
General Wintrust Information
Wintrust Purse and Bag Policy
We urge you to please familiarize yourself with the entrance guidelines to the Arena to avoid any disappointment on the day of the Blue Demon Welcome
We recommend that you carefully review the Wintrust's purse and bag policy. The diagram below provides you with a guide as to what is allowed and what is not. The Wintrust also has a list of prohibited items that will not be allowed in the Arena.
The Wintrust Arena strictly enforces these policies without exception.
Upon entering the Arena guests will be required to go through a metal detector and security check. Adhering to these entrance policies will help speed up your entrance into the Arena.
Wintrust Directions and Parking
Blue Demon Welcome is at Wintrust Arena, located at 200 E. Cermak Road, Chicago, IL 60616.
Because paid parking in the area is highly limited, we encourage you to use the available shuttles from either the Loop or Lincoln Park campus, public transportation or taxi/rideshare options. Wintrust Arena is accessible by city bus and elevated train. Learn how to get to Wintrust via public transportation here.
Lot A is located 2301 S. Prairie Avenue, Chicago, IL 60616 (8' height clearance) . The parking rate is $23 for up to 16 hours and $36 for 16 to 24 hours. There are no in-and-out privileges. Overnight parking is available. Lost tickets will pay the $36 (overnight) fee per day.