CHICAGO — Daredevil Nik Wallenda will attempt to walk a high-wire across the Chicago River Sunday, a feat expected to draw thousands of spectators. Here's a quick guide to navigating the stunt, in person or at home.
WHO: Nik Wallenda, the 34-year-old scion to the Flying Wallendas high-wire walking dynasty.
WHERE: Wallenda will walk a wire spanning the Chicago River from the Marina City Towers to the Leo Burnett Building. Then he'll take an elevator down, cross the river - on the ground - and prepare to do another walk between the Marina City towers - this time blindfolded.
Take a virtual tour for yourself, or download an app to see if you can keep your balance.
Ted Cox discusses how dangerous the stunt is:
WHEN: Sunday, about 6 p.m.
WATCH: The daring act will be broadcast on the Discovery Channel, which is also streaming it online. Or go in person. There are public viewing areas on Wacker Drive between Clark and Dearborn,as well as between Wabash and State.
Watch the livestream here
Broadcast live streaming video on Ustream
WHY: "I love Chicago. I love the skyline. And it's the Windy City," Wallenda said at a press conference last week. "That's really what attracted me to this city in the first place, was that title 'the Windy City.' I love to continue to challenge myself and push myself to be better at what I do. What better way to do it than to do something in the Windy City — uphill at a 15-degree incline, and do the next one blindfolded."
THE DISTANCE: He'll be walking a slight incline, beginning 588 feet off the ground and ending at 671 feet. It's 454 feet across the river, and 94 feet between the two towers.
THE BIG QUESTION: No, it's likely he wouldn't survive a fall into the river. And, no, he's not wearing a harness.
STREET CLOSURES: Police are expected to close Wacker Drive from State Street to Dearborn Street, including the State Street bridge and the Dearborn bridge. Other streets that might be closed include both State and Dearborn from Kinzie Street to the bridge and from Lake Street to Wacker Drive. There also will be no river access between State and Dearborn from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A map of the area with closures is found here.
CONTRIBUTING: Ted Cox
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