NFL Draft Town Fan Festival is returning to Chicago this year Thursday, April 28th through Saturday, April 30th at Grant Park. Large crowds are expected again this year for the event.
The following was released from the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications regarding street closures:
Balbo from Columbus to Lake Shore Drive is currently closed to traffic. Westbound Balbo will remain closed until Friday, May 6th, night; however, eastbound Balbo will reopen for Monday, April 24th morning rush and then will be closed again on Tuesday, May 3rd through Friday, May 6th for the load-out of the event.
In addition, motorists can expect the following closures:
- Michigan Avenue from Van Buren to Congress will be closed at 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, until 5:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 20. Traffic will be rerouted through the Congress Circle during the closure. Michigan Avenue from Jackson to Balbo will temporarily close on Thursday, April 28 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and then again on Friday, April 29 from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. to accommodate the red carpet introduction featuring NFL legends and top college prospects.
- Columbus from Jackson to Balbo will be closed at 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 21, until 8:00 a.m. on Friday, April 22 for set-up of Draft Town Fan Festival. Columbus will close again at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 22 until Monday, May 2 for the event and load-out.
- Congress from Michigan to Columbus Drive (and sidewalks) and the Congress Circle will be closed Friday, April 22 night and will reopen on Monday, May 2. Congress Parkway from Wabash to Michigan Avenue will close Thursday, April 28 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and also on Friday, April 29 from 3:00 p.m. and is anticipated to open later that evening.
Remember these tips to have fun if visiting the Draft Town Fan Festival:
- Don’t bring valuables with you
- Be aware of your surroundings and locate where you can go for help if necessary
- Be extra cautious on the roads if you are driving this weekend
- Secure handbags and wallets
- Stay calm and pleasant
- Follow your own instincts
- Leave yourself room to move quickly
- If you see an unattended bag, alert police as quickly as possible
- Remain alert and be observant of surroundings
As always, if you “See Something, Say Something”. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).