Thousands of people are getting ready to head downtown for Detroit's biggest night of the winter -- the auto show's Charity Preview.

North American International Auto Show Chairman Barron Meade says more than 10,000 tickets have been sold and $2.5 million raised for childrens charities. Tickets are $250 and still available. The preview runs from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Cobo Center.

"The event itself is spectacular, you know, over ten-thousand people dressed to the nines and we have the Rockets playing, the stage is already set," Meade said.

WWJ AutoBeat Reporter Jeff Gilbert says there's more energy for this year's event than there has been in a while because of the turnaround in the industry.

Since 1976 the Charity Preview has raised nearly $82 million for charities - over $37 million of which was raised in the last seven years alone.

The auto show opens to the public Saturday and runs through January 23rd.

Detroit police are encouraging those traveling into downtown to leave early and use alternate routes. Congestion and delays are expected on the southbound Lodge freeway.

Limousines, service cars and shuttle vans and mini-buses will be the only vehicles allowed to pass in front of Cobo Center. No vehicles will be allowed to stand or park near Cobo Center.

The Detroit People Mover will be running from 6:30 p.m. until 2 a.m. The fare is just 50 cents per ride. Children ages five and under ride free.

We'll have a special video webcast starting around 6:30 this evening.

Click here for complete auto show details.

View WWJ's Charity Preview Interview Photos.