Collaboration unites two Chicago icons and encourages riders to take the train to and from the city’s biggest music festival
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is excited to take part in a limited-edition “merch” collaboration with Lollapalooza and local streetwear artist Ellen Ma, fusing transit pride with music festival fashion in a collection that’s uniquely Chicago.
This year, Lollapalooza reached out to CTA to collaborate on official concert merchandise. As some of the city’s most recognizable institutions, the partnership felt natural. Lollapalooza is the concert in Chicago and CTA is how Chicago gets there.
The result is a three-piece capsule collection designed by Ellen Ma, Creative Director of Leaders 1354, featuring bold, nostalgic graphics that pay tribute to the city and its transit system.
The drop includes:
- A City Tee, inspired by the CTA map and Chicago skyline
- A Find Your Way Back Home long-sleeve tee, celebrating the post-show train ride home
- A Rail Line Hat, which featuring classic CTA-style typography
The merch is available online exclusively at store.lollapalooza.com/collections/lollapalooza-x-cta-x-ellen-ma, while supplies last.
Ellen Ma, whose work reflects the energy of Chicago streets and style, said it best: “Lollapalooza is the heart and soul of Chicago. It is the aspiration for many and for a kid growing up in the city.”
The timing of the drop also serves as a reminder to attendees that taking CTA is the easiest and most affordable way to get to Grant Park. Riders can visit transitchicago.com for fare details, train routes, and weekend service updates.
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