Wrigley Field
4.8(36K)google
4.4(1.9K)yelp
SportsBaseballHistoric BuildingCity Landmark
Overview
Wrigley Field () is a ballpark on the North Side of Chicago, Illinois, United States. It is the home ballpark of Major League Baseball's Chicago Cubs, one of the city's two MLB franchises. It first opened in 1914 as Weeghman Park for Charles Weeghman's Chicago Whales of the Federal League, which folded after the 1915 baseball season.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration3-4 hours
Best TimeMay through September during a live Chicago Cubs home series is peak season. Opt for a classic 1:20 PM afternoon 'Day Game' to experience the historic century-old stadium tradition; the bright afternoon sun illuminating the iconic ivy-covered outfield walls creates an unmatched, authentic baseball atmosphere.
Getting ThereDriving is highly discouraged as street parking is non-existent during games and traffic stalls. Take the CTA Red Line subway north directly to the Addison station; the stadium's legendary red marquee will be immediately visible right outside the station exit, requiring less than a 1-minute walk.
Travel Tips
- Surrounding neighborhood parking is highly restricted to permit holders on game days; completely avoid driving and take the CTA Red Line train directly to the Addison station platform.
- The venue enforces a zero-large-bag policy; only diagnostic medical pouches or small single-compartment clutches under 16x16x8 inches are permitted, with no on-site stadium storage lockers available.
- Bleacher seating tickets operate under an unassigned, general admission format; queue at the bleacher gates at least 2 hours prior to the first pitch to claim frontline ivy-wall perches.
Reviews
Positive
- As one of America's oldest ballparks, the ivy-covered outfield walls and classic grandstands are full of nostalgia, and the game-day atmosphere is vibrant and fully lives up to the hype.
- The surrounding 'Wrigleyville' neighborhood is incredibly mature, packed with bars and restaurants, and is just a few minutes' walk from the Red Line subway station.
- Security and ticket scanning are lightning fast, and the staff members, many of whom are seniors, are incredibly warm and friendly, perfectly showcasing local Chicago hospitality.
- For baseball fans, sitting in this century-old stadium with a beer to watch a game offers historical depth and home-field sentiment that money simply cannot buy.
Heads up
- Due to the stadium's age, there are many 'obstructed view' seats where large concrete pillars can block your vision if you aren't careful when buying tickets.
- The restroom facilities are outdated, and during innings breaks, both men's and women's restrooms suffer from massive lines and poor ventilation.
- Concessions and merchandise inside the ballpark are extremely expensive; a basic churro or hot dog costs twice as much as downtown, creating a bit of a rip-off feeling.
- Traffic completely paralyzes the area on game days; parking is rare and spikes above $50, and the subway station is packed like a sardine can after the game.