The pavilion stands 120 feet high, framed by a headdress of brushed stainless steel ribbons, which connect to an overhead trellis that supports the sound system. The state-of-the-art system was designed to mimic the acoustics of an indoor concert hall by distributing sound equally over both the fixed seats and the lawn. There are 4,000 seats and the lawn accomodates an additional 7,000 people.

Home to the Grant Park Music Festival and other free concerts and events, the pavilion was named in memory of Chicago business leader Jay Pritzker.