Chicago River Dyed Blue Ahead of Cubs Celebrations

NOTE: NBC Chicago will offer a live stream of the river dying at 7:15 a.m. CT and complete parade coverage beginning at 9 a.m. Friday.

Just hours before the Chicago Cubs' World Series parade takes over downtown Chicago Friday, the Chicago River was dyed blue, city officials announced. 

The river took on the Cubs' hue just after 7 a.m. CT.

Street closures, parking restrictions and transportation reroutes were all in effect as preparations begin for the massive Cubbie celebration. 

Fans are being asked to watch the parade along Addison Street from Sheffield Avenue to Pine Grove Avenue, along North Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to Ohio Street and on Columbus Drive from Monroe Street to Balbo Avenue. 

The parade route will start about 11 a.m.

The parade will leave Wrigley Field about 10 a.m., the mayor's office said in a news release, with the official parade route starting about 11 a.m. traveling along Michigan Avenue between Oak Street and Ohio Street. It will then continue along Columbus Drive between Monroe Street and Balbo Avenue.

A celebration rally will take place at Lower Hutchinson Field in Grant Park at approximately noon, when the motorcade arrives in Grant Park.

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