The NFL Draft is underway in and around Grant Park. Last year's fest drew thousands of die-hard sports fans and curious observers to the free three-day event. This year it is bigger, with a flashier slate of attractions.

In addition to the ubiquitous presence of NFL merchandise and corporate sponsorship of Dannon yogurt products, spectators entering the tent city known as Draft Town will see more than last year. Organizers have increased the overall size from 15 football fields to about 20 fields, for some 90,000 square feet of space.

The extra room accommodates more attractions and exhibits, and provides a less-crowded feel and more standing room.

While the Auditorium Theatre, where much of the early drafting will take place, will be off limits to most spectators, Draft Town, the main setting for draft activities, is free and open to the public.

JACKSON Fence e = Entrance Tavern e Museum Selection Square stage e Stage Auditorium Theatre Virtual locker rooms Big helmets Buckingham Fountain CONGRESS Stage e TV sets Flag football, drills Autographs BALBO JACKSON Fence = Entrance e Tavern Auditorium Theatre e Museum Selection Square stage e VR locker rooms CONGRESS e Flag football, drills TV sets Buckingham Fountain BALBO Draft Town basics When: noon to 10 p.m., Thursday, April 28 and Friday, April 29; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 30

noon to 10 p.m., Thursday, April 28 and Friday, April 29; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 30 Where: Grant Park and Congress Plaza, between Michigan Avenue and Lake Shore Drive

Grant Park and Congress Plaza, between Michigan Avenue and Lake Shore Drive Road closures: Columbus from Jackson to Balbo and Congress from Michigan to Columbus will be closed through May 2.

Columbus from Jackson to Balbo and Congress from Michigan to Columbus will be closed through May 2. Public transportation: The CTA is running more trains on the Red, Blue, Brown and Orange lines on draft days. Some bus routes around Grant Park will be rerouted over the weekend.

An NFL rendering of the main stage where mid and late round players will be selected, Selection Square (NFL) Grant Park draft activities Activities require pre-registration at NFL.com Ferris wheel: In the midst of Draft Town, organizers also put up a 120-foot Ferris wheel in Grant Park near Selection Square that will give riders a bird’s-eye view of Draft Town.

In the midst of Draft Town, organizers also put up a 120-foot Ferris wheel in Grant Park near Selection Square that will give riders a bird’s-eye view of Draft Town. Flag football and clinics: Competitions for adults and kids, clinics for ages 6 to 14 on all three days

Competitions for adults and kids, clinics for ages 6 to 14 on all three days Athletic feats: Field goal kick, vertical jump, 40-yard dash and pass route

Field goal kick, vertical jump, 40-yard dash and pass route For kids: Long snap, passing and extra-point kicking drills as well as an obstacle course. Kids can also try on football equipment and play an interactive game.

Long snap, passing and extra-point kicking drills as well as an obstacle course. Kids can also try on football equipment and play an interactive game. Football history, experience: Fans will get a chance to peruse historical Bears memorabilia like Super Bowl rings and conference championship trophies. Fans may also get their bronze bust digitized. Wannabe footballers will be able to visit a replica NFL locker room as it appears on game day.

Fans will get a chance to peruse historical memorabilia like Super Bowl rings and conference championship trophies. Fans may also get their bronze bust digitized. Wannabe footballers will be able to visit a replica NFL locker room as it appears on game day. Virtual reality: Hardcore NFL fans and families might get a kick out of the virtual reality exhibits that will put attendees in a digitally simulated NFL game environment.

Hardcore NFL fans and families might get a kick out of the virtual reality exhibits that will put attendees in a digitally simulated NFL game environment. Autographs: Free autographs from current and former players. Former players include Shaun Alexander, Willie Brown, Dick Butkus, Larry Csonka, Daunte Culpepper, Isaac Curtis, Chris Gamble, Rodney Hampton, Eric Hill, Jevon Kearse, Jim Kelly, Deuce McAllister, Orlando Pace, Chad Pennington, Tony Richardson, Fred Taylor, Jerry Sisemore, Paul Warfield, Bryant Young

Free autographs from current and former players. Former players include Shaun Alexander, Willie Brown, Dick Butkus, Larry Csonka, Daunte Culpepper, Isaac Curtis, Chris Gamble, Rodney Hampton, Eric Hill, Jevon Kearse, Jim Kelly, Deuce McAllister, Orlando Pace, Chad Pennington, Tony Richardson, Fred Taylor, Jerry Sisemore, Paul Warfield, Bryant Young Food, beverages: Choose from restaurants with vendors like those at Taste of Chicago.

Commissioner Roger Goodell announces the Bears' first round pick for 2015 in Auditorium Theatre. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune) Schedule of the draft The crown jewel of Draft Town is Selection Square, where representatives from the 32 NFL teams will meet to make their selections. Organizers moved the square from its home last year at Michigan Avenue and Congress Parkway to a higher profile area next to Buckingham Fountain. Attendees will be able to watch draftee interviews after they are selected by teams. April 28: First round (10 minutes per pick, held in Auditorium Theatre)

First round (10 minutes per pick, held in Auditorium Theatre) April 29: Second and third rounds (7 minutes per pick for second round, five minutes for third, held in Auditorium Theatre)

Second and third rounds (7 minutes per pick for second round, five minutes for third, held in Auditorium Theatre) April 30: Fourth through seventh rounds (5 minutes for fifth and sixth rounds, 4 minutes for seventh, held at Selection Square in Grant Park)