Chicago prepares for 2015 NFL Draft; Columbus Drive closed between Balbo, Jackson

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Columbus Drive is closed from Balbo Avenue to Jackson Boulevard, as crews put the finishing touches on Draft Town in and around Grant Park.

The 2015 NFL Draft kicks off Thursday night at the Auditorium Theatre and runs through Saturday. The Chicago Bears have the seventh overall pick.

Although tickets are required to get into the theater, admission to the football fan town in Grant Park is free. Outdoor activities are planned for the entire event.

The Columbus Drive closure will be in effect until May 4. Congress Parkway is closed between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive through May 8.

Additional closures will be in effect from 3 p.m. - 11 p.m. on April 30:

-Michigan Avenue between Balbo Avenue and Jackson Boulevard

-Wabash Avenue between Harrison Street and Jackson Boulevard

-Van Buren Street between Michigan Avenue and State Street

-Congress Parkway between Michigan Avenue and State Street

City officials advise drivers to plan alternate routes and to keep an eye out for no-parking zones during the weekend of the draft.

The Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report.