Brands now have a new way to make a splash along Chicago’s Iconic riverfront.
Chicago, IL – Ballyhoo Media, the nation’s largest waterway media company, proudly announces its expansion into Chicago with the official launch of full-vessel wrap advertising on the Chicago Water Taxi. This marks the latest move in Ballyhoo’s national rollout of ferry and water taxi media, introducing an unmissable advertising format designed to stand out in one of the country’s top five DMAs.
Known for transforming premium waterfronts into high-impact canvases for brands, Ballyhoo now brings its expertise to the iconic Chicago River, a vibrant artery that runs through the heart of the city. Offering the same mobility and eye-catching engagement that made Ballyhoo famous with its digital boats, the format is now adapted to blend with Chicago’s rich maritime and riverfront heritage.
“With our recent expansions into New York and Seattle, we’ve seen more and more brands eager to activate waterways in other major markets,” said Tyler Zlatin, CRO of Ballyhoo Media. “We wanted to give them something as easy to buy as a standard billboard, but with the impact and uniqueness only a waterfront format can offer. Chicago and the Water Taxi were the obvious answers. It’s bold, it’s premium, and it’s built to break through the clutter.”
Operating from Michigan Avenue through Ogilvie/Union Station to Chinatown, the Water Taxis run 12 hours a day, reaching audiences from the riverwalk to rooftop bars, and locations traditionally hard to reach with OOH. Unlike other transit options, the Chicago Water Taxi’s singular route offers consistent frequency and visibility across the areas most valuable to advertisers.
For over 90 years, Chicago Water Taxi, operated by Wendella, has served as a reliable and scenic transit option for locals, connecting neighborhoods and promoting commerce on the waterways.
“This partnership helps the Water Taxi continue serving Chicagoans with a reliable, affordable, and better quality-of-commute than buses or cars,” said Andrew Sardis, [Insert Title]. “Infusing advertising dollars into the service helps ensure its longevity, expansion, and continued service to the city. ”
For more information, visit https://ballyhooboats.com/Chicago-Water-Taxi-Launch/
ABOUT BALLYHOO MEDIA
Ballyhoo Media is the nation’s largest and most innovative waterway media company. From ferry dominations and water taxi wraps to digital billboard boats and live events, Ballyhoo helps brands break through the noise with iconic placements on the water. With exclusive partnerships in New York, Seattle, Miami, and now Chicago, Ballyhoo is reshaping what’s possible in out-of-home advertising. Learn more at www.ballyhooboats.com
ABOUT WENDELLA / CHICAGO WATER TAXI
Operated by Wendella since 1962, the Chicago Water Taxi is a scenic and efficient transit service that runs along the iconic Chicago River, connecting key downtown destinations including the West Loop, Michigan Avenue, and Chinatown. Designed as a traffic-free alternative to buses and rideshares, it offers commuters a faster, more enjoyable route through the city, such as a 15-minute ride from Ogilvie/Union Station to Michigan Avenue. As a family-owned service with over 90 years of local roots, Wendella remains committed to enhancing mobility along the river while preserving Chicago’s unique maritime identity.
