As previously announced, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the City of Chicago will celebrate the 2015 Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks beginning at 10 a.m. tomorrow, Thursday, June 18, with a parade followed by a rally at Soldier Field. Free tickets to the celebration, which were limited to four per person, are now sold out.

In an effort to accommodate as many fans as possible, the City is announcing an expanded parade route, which more than doubles the original route. In addition, Soldier Field will have screens outside of the stadium in the south parking lot.

Double-decker buses featuring the team and front office personnel will take off for the parade beginning at approximately 10 a.m.

The official parade route will now begin at Washington and Racine Streets and proceed east along Washington to DesPlaines, south on DesPlaines to Monroe, and east on Monroe to Michigan Avenue, where the parade will conclude.

There will be zero tolerance for drinking on the public way.

Residents, motorists and fans should expect traffic delays throughout the Loop due to the parade. For those that drive to the events, please be advised that the following closures will be in effect at 8 a.m.:

- Washington Street from Racine Street to DesPlaines Avenue -DesPlaines Avenue to Monroe Street
- Monroe Street from Halsted Street to Lake Shore Drive

Additional street closures adjacent to the route may be implemented as necessary due to crowd size to ensure the public safety of pedestrians and parade attendees.

Motorists should be advised that access to many parking garages along the route could be restricted.

Officials are encouraging fans to use public transportation.

# # #