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Wrigley Field itinerary by Wise Guides

While there are other ballparks situated in dynamic urban neighborhoods, there is no setting to rival Wrigley's. You can stumble across the street and into any number of classic sports bars, or wander the neighborhood a bit and check out an old-school tavern or the diverse array of restaurants, music venues, coffee shops and theater. So the first bit of advice is to leave plenty of time pre- and post-game to explore. ... For a start, head to Murphy's Bleachers where they've been serving them up across the street from the entrance to the park's bleachers since the 1930s. They have the best cheeseburger in Wrigleyville, and there'll be plenty of Cubs fans to bond with over beers. Enter in the back where it's less crowded. ... After hanging at Murphy's for a while, stroll up Waveland Avenue and check out the Ballhawks, those guys who shag home run balls during batting practice and the game beyond the left-field wall. They're an amiable lot and don't seem to mind the occasional passer-by joining in – glove optional. ... Before heading into the game, pick up some peanuts from a street vendor. “Cheaper on the outside!” they bellow, and it's true. ... Once inside, soak in the scene: the ivy on the outfield walls, the wonderful hand-operated scoreboard, the packed bleachers and rooftops across the street, the pennants flapping atop the roof and scoreboard. To many fans, Wrigley is baseball heaven. ... But here are a few tips to make it even better: The facilities at Wrigley haven't changed much since it opened, so time your bathroom breaks appropriately to avoid lines (make a run before the third out or when you see a pitching change coming); join in the famous 7th-inning stretch sign-along, Take me Out to the Ballgame; and for the best hot dogs hit one of the grill carts underneath the seats. ... As the final out is recorded and a member of the grounds-crew raises that 'W' flag atop the scoreboard, head across the street to Bernie's to celebrate. It of course will be crowded with Cubs fans, but that's why you're here, right? ... If your body starts sending signals that it needs more than beer and peanuts to function, stroll up Clark Street to the Raw Bar for a cool scene and good seafood, or walk four or five blocks west to Southport Avenue, where there is a stretch of bars and restaurants to choose from. ... To close out the day, head to the Gingerman Tavern just north of the park on Clark, where you can shoot a game of pool and mix with the eclectic crowd.

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Chicago Cubs - User Comments Add your own

A Few Tips For Out-of-Towners -- 2007-02-07

I know that Wrigley generates as many, if not more, visits from "baseball tourists" than any other park. I've been going, with varying frequency, for about twenty years. If you're planning to see a game at Wrigley for the first time, here are few tips: PARKING is far and away the worst aspect of visiting Wrigley Field. If possible, take public transportation though be warned that the CTA's Red Line can be very crowded just before and after games. Still, the station is 1/2 block from the park and it's the easiest and cheapest option. If you must drive: 1. There are no team-operated parking lots near the park. If you want to park close to the field, you'll have to pay over $20 to one of the many nearby businesses that rent out their own lots on game days. You can't miss these guys - they're waving "Cubs Parking" signs about every 25 feet on Clark St. Be careful because the lot attendants will often block cars in and you could wind up stuck if you decide to leave the game early. 2. The Cubs do run a shuttle service to a remote lot which located several miles west of the park on Addison Street. They charge a smaller fee ($10) but the ensuing bus rides can take forever, especially after the game, when the neighborhood turns into a giant traffic jam. 3. Street parking is discouraged by all official sources but is still possible, especially for day games. Just don't expect to park a block from the field. Try the side streets west of the park, especially out toward Ashland Avenue, a major north/south street that's about 6 blocks west of Wrigley. Another possibility would be to try the streets north of Irving Park, which is the next major street to the north of Addison. If you decide to park on the street, factor in time to hunt for a space and then a walk of at least 10 or 15 minutes. The neighborhoods east and south of the field are densely populated and parking there is tough even when the Cubs are out of town. For NIGHT GAMES, street parking can be very difficult because spaces fill up as residents return from work and neighborhood parking restrictions kick in at 6 p.m. on many of the side streets. Finally, if you drive, the surrounding streets became jammed after the game and it can take a very long time to navigate back to Lake Shore Drive or the expressway. The FOOD AND DRINK at Wrigley are not among the high points of the experience. It's overpriced and, compared to other stadiums, substandard. TICKETS are really expensive and the games are often sold out. This is the worst by-product of the Sammy Sosa era. Before 1998, you could walk up to the box office on the day of the game and get tickets, now that's unlikely unless it's a weekday early or late in the season. Scalpers are all around Wrigley though, especially on Addison between the Red Line and the ballpark. Of course, their prices go way down after the first pitch. SEATING AND VIEWS can be tricky, mostly because Wrigley is the only park left that has an old-fashioned upper deck. Note that the back parts of the lower deck are directly under the upper deck...it's like watching the game from a within a cave. In those seats and the back section of the upper deck (Upper Deck Reserved), you might have to deal with support pillars blocking the view. Other than those caveats, the views and seats are generally very good. The bleachers can be very fun but many fans are alienated by the frat-boy antics and see-and-be-seen attitude that prevails. The box seats around the infield are very very close to the field and horribly expensive. The front part of the upper deck (Upper Deck Box) has the best views in baseball, as you are much closer to the field than in the upper levels of any other stadium. Leg room has never been a problem for me although I've noticed that a few rows have noticeably less leg room than others. Finally, if you plan far ahead and have a group of people together, you can rent out some of the rooftops across the street. The cost per person is well over $100 but that includes food and drinks. The view isn't great but then again, how often do you get to enjoy a rooftop barbeque and a baseball game at the same time?

Andy

parking at Wrigley -- 2006-02-03

To all those on this site who complained about parking being difficult at Wrigley, I say DON'T DRIVE THERE! The L stops a half a block away, and various bus lines can get you to the ballpark from downtown. If you live in the suburbs, take a Metra train, and then catch the L downtown. Driving to Wrigley is a terrible idea, especially with all the public transportation options available. So you have no sympathy from me.

That said, I seldom go to Wrigley anymore. I grew up five blocks away from the ballpark and went 15 or 20 times every year growing up. But now I'm in the suburbs with kids of my own, and the cost of attending a game is ridiculous. Spending $40 or $50 for a bleacher seat? It's just not going to happen. The times I do go, I always choose upper deck box if I have the chance. There's no better view in baseball.

By the way, when I started going to Wrigley on my own in 1980, a bleacher ticket cost $1.50. That was up from 50 cents when my father-in-law went to games there in the 1940s. The last 20 years has completely changed everything at the ballpark, and definitely not for the better. Lights, advertising, loud PA speakers blasting rock music between innings, electronic boards showing pitch counts - I'd get rid of all of that (except maybe for the lights -Wrigley is pretty at night).

Daniel Rosenberg

Wrigley is super -- 2005-12-09

Wrigley is my favorite and I have been to a bunch of parks:

http://www.drodd.com/ballparks.html

Andrew Ziola

Everything you want to know about coming to Wrigley! -- 2005-01-30

I live next to Wrigley, I have season tickets, There isn't a place I haven't been to...I even ate at the Ethiopan place this year! If you are coming to Wrigley...wanna know where to go with your crwod...let me know, email me and ask the question...BigFan@ChicagoSportsFan.com

BIG FAN

Wrigley... -- 2004-12-26

There are only two groups of people who like this park: a) Cub fans b) Chicago residents

If you are neither, don't bother going its not worth it. If you sit in the upper deck in April, May, late September, or (insert your own joke here)October, bring a parka. The beer sucks (unless you like Old Style or PBR), the seats suck (unless you're there to just get drunk and not watch the game), parking sucks (unless you like parking in a residential neighborhood, the stadium is falling apart, the team usually sucks, and the fans are ignorant about the game and its history..."we lost by ten runs today, but Sammy hit one out!!!!!!!!" So if you want to go to a decaying stadium without a replay monitor, bad beer, a bad view, bad fans, and a bad team, this stadium is for you!

Mars

Wrigley is heaven on earth -- 2004-12-23

Lifelong Cubs fan. Still remember my first game. If you have never been see a day game in June-perfect. Named my son after the ballpark.

Ryan Wrigley Hodges

Go Cubs! JPH

Jeff Hodges

friendly confines -- 2004-08-30

WOW! Wrigley is the best! It may be crumblin' so go when you get a chance before it's too late. The only negative would be the pillars that can block your view at times, but everything else is superb. Start outside - walking around Wrigleyville, you have your choice of many souvenir shops and watering holes. We spent most of our time in the Cubby Bear across from the Wrigley Field sign in front of the park. Spend the extra dough and stay in a place nearby - the Majestic was reasonable and within walking distance. I was surprised at how nice the surrounding neighborhood was in this area. We were luck enough to see Maddux and Prior pitch our two days there. Maddux pitched great, but the bullpen blew the save. That was OK because Corey Patterson won it with a walk-off HR in the 9th!

mike brennan

A Perfect Day @ Wrigley -- 2003-08-20

I had a great day visiting the old park. Sammy hit #493, Prior fanned 12 and a few other Cubbies chipped in for dingers. It was sunny with a slight breeze, doubleheader weather. I made a few positive observations about Wrigley's layout and features, but didn't comb into the park's aspects like I usually do b/c the game was too good. I'm sure if I had tried, I would've found a few negatives, but the positives outweigh them by far.

AJ

YOU CAN'T BEAT FUN AT THE OLD BALLPARK,AS LONG AS YOU CAN AFFORD IT! -- 2003-07-16

My dad gave me a crash course in Cubs History 101 in 1945, then took me to my first game, when they clinched the pennant, I asked him to take me to the world series, he said I was too young(8yrs old) but made me a promise to take me the next time! I heard the expression WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR in '46 and went to my first opener in'47 and was there the first time Jackie Robinson played in his Wrigley Field Debut. I've seen rookies become vets and vets become Hall of Famers, but the 50's turned into the 60's and 70's and every spring I watched the Ivy wake up ,and turn bright green in the summer, and turn brown in September, but I never got to see how it looks in the Fall Classic.In the 80's I became the Bleacher Preacher, and was known for my timely signs and conversions of non-believers into loyal Cubs rooters and was tabbed by Harry Caray as the team's #1 FAN.But when the Tribune purchased the team, many old traditions started to be replaced, including the advent of Night-games.In '91 I boycotted the friendly cofines when the Trib raised the price of a cheap(bleacher)seat to $6.bucks.Today those same seats are $24./30 bucks providing you bought the in February.Harry always said you can't beat fun at the old ballpark, to which I ad...providing you can afford it! I always felt young over the years ,sitting in the bleachers.But I can no longer afford going to the game at prices printed on the face of the ticket, let alone the price scalpers and ticket brokers get which are higher than the goodyear blimp! However, win or lose every real fan, which are endangered species should try and see how baseball was ment to be watched ,from the bleachers under blue skies and hope for a W to fly from the scoreboard flag pole after a game...as for my fathers promise, I doubt that it will be in my lifetime and I'll have to see the Cubs World Series from the Heavenly Confines with Jack Brickhouse,Harry Caray and my dad!

,conversion

Jerry Pritikin/The Bleacher Preacher

CUBS IN FIRST -- 2003-05-18

I've been going to games at Wrigley my whole life, and I've always loved it. The between innings entertainment (from the dumb drunk dudes) is always great. And ALWAYS throw it back!

Skuggi

anywhere close to the field -- 2003-02-13

My first trip to the ballpark . I was about 7yrs old. My mother took me, my sisters, brother and my cousins to the ballpark. We would get there so early, only the delivery people was there. So we would venture off until the gates open. Once inside I was amazed how they could enclosed something so beautiful. Television do not represent the ballpark. I didn't watch the game. I walk around the park until the seven inning. Because the game would come to an end or we would leave early to avoid the crowd. Now I sit down and watch the game. I still loved the beauty of the ballpark

Melvin Grant

First Visit was special -- 2002-10-26

In 1999 four friends and I piled into a minivan and drove 32 hours straight from Halifax, Nova Scotia to Chicago. Our destination: Wrigley Field, home of my beloved Cubs. We arrived early for our first of two games (against the Dodgers;Cubs lost)and wandered around the neighbourhood. Wonderful. It was like a carnival and we were in awe. When I walked into Wrigley I was taken away by the sheer beauty. The people were wonderful, we had great weather and the Cubs almost won. In short, it was the most remarkable trip of my life and one I'll never forget. And by the way, I've been to Fenway- it's a dump. Anyone who thinks Wrigley needs a paint job should go to Boston. Fenway should be condemned.

Brian Ames

-- 2002-07-05

Wrigley field is the greatest stadium of them all. Jean Jaques Martinee knows nothing about what a good ballpark is. If the Expos park, the ugliest one in baseball, is so great why are there always less than 10,000 people to all the games? Baseball was meant to play outside, on grass, and in the afternoon. Nobody know a days could build anything like Wrigley today. Don't change a thing!

Matt Jones

The Best -- 2001-09-27

You see i live in Houston, Texas, home of HomeRun Field. I hate that ballpark, but we'll save that for another post. Wrigley is the best park I've ever been too. It's all about the atmosphere. The Cubs have te best fans in the world. You can't beat them. It's like going to a college football when two rivals are playing everytime. The team scores and you get high-5's from people you've never seen in your life. You getpicked up and beer spilt on you. Especially in the bleachers. It's like one big party, I love it. And not to mention the stadium is absolutely gorgeous. You walk in and you feel like you're in a baseball museum. You can just sense all the tradition. Its breath-taking. And plus, at no other stadium will you see the fans beat the mess out of the opposing teams bullpen (Dodgers). Haha, Dodgers lose all respect for that. That was great. Well, if you are ever in Chicago you must catch a game at Wrigley on the Northside. Forget the Southside, SOX SUX!

~Daniel

Daniel

A Great Experience... If You Sit In The Bleachers -- 2001-09-23

The first time I went to Wrigley was April or May of 2000. We had good seats about 15-20 rows behind 1st base. Problem was we had a group sitting in front of us who seemed intent on using their cell phones and talking about anything but the actual ballgame. We know you must be incredibly important people but please leave your damn cells at home... unless your wife's expecting, but then why're you at the ballpark to begin with? I know you get this at every ballpark but it seemed to be especially abundant at Wrigley. It seems as though you get a lot of people who go to the park because it's the chic thing to do. Not really baseball fans mind you, just there to say they've been to Wrigley. In August of 2001 I went again, this time to sit in the bleachers at a Cubs-Cards game. Muuccchhh better. There were actual real fans in the bleachers who could talk some real baseball smack. Two groups of fans in front of us got into a tussle and were tossed from the game. Nice! That's what it's all about. That and easy access to the beer stand, which we had. You get a much better appreciation for the whole Wrigley experience when you're sitting in the sun-baked bleachers. The stadium's a classic, it can't be beat. Unfortunately for the real Cubs fans, ownership knows they don't have to put a winning team on the field to draw fans, Wrigley's what pulls them in. As long as Sammy hits a homer the drones will be happy.

Kimo Hood

Outdated, Antiquated, in desperate need of renovations, great city though! -- 2001-09-11

First off, I'm a Canadienne so perhaps my tastes differ a little bit as far as architecture is concerned. Recently I was in Chicago on business and had the opportunity to take in a Wrigley Field experience with the Cubs. While I loved the city, especially the NOrth Side neighborhoods surrounding the park, I felt that the park itself was quite cramped, outdated, dirty and needed some drastic improvements.

For one, while both decks are close to the action, the overhanging roofs seem to obstruct a great deal of the view of the field, especially as you move towards the concourse...While you feel closer to the action than at other parks I have attended (Philedelphia), you almost feel like you are watching a game underneath a gigantic tree csating off sweeping webs of shade. Secondly, it rained through much of the game, causing two delays, one lasting nearly an hour and a half. Obviously you can't blame Wrigley for the weather, but in Montreal, where we have a beautiful state of the art facility called Stade Olympique (Olympique Stadium), we have a simple solution for Mother Nature, don't let her into the park to reek havoc. Domed stadiums, an idea of the 60's and 70's never caught on as much as it could (and probably should) have...especially in towns with poor weather like Chicago. Having a dome keeps out the harmful and scorching sun-rays im August, and keeps out the heavy rains (and oftenm snow!) in April and November. It's really an inexpensive solution to fans gripes, and the fans in montreal seem to love the atmosphere a dome provides. No matter what the forcast, a fan can show up to the stadium knowing they will take in a 9 inning enjoyable game in the comfort of a temperate and dry climate. I don't know if the structural foundation of Wrigley would support this, but perhaps a future renovation should include the encapsulation of the facility either with a permanent or retractable domed-roof.

The grass itself seemed well maintaned, but the infield basepaths could have used some work, especially with the rain. A great alternative, which would improve both the utilitarian and cosmetic appeal of the park, would be implanting astro-turf either exclusively in the infield (as in Wichita State University) or in both the infield and outfield (as in Olympique Stadium, Metrodome, Astrodome). Some of the newer high tech turfs like those in Tampa and Philadelphia may also be appealing, but in my experience, the old-fashioned turf is both safer for players, and more attractive to fans.

For some reason the outfiled fences had not been properly tended to for quite some time...There was vines or algae apparent over much of the wall. This is both an eyesore for fans and a danger for players...Either trim the hedges once in a while, or replace the walls with algae and vine-proof foam panels (like they had in the Kingdome and still have at Edison)...these panels look cleaner, are padded for player safety and should beautify the whole park.

Finally to the fans, many of them don;t seem to be interested in the game of baseball and only appear to drink beer, seal business deals, cheer on the occasional Sammy Sosa at bat before dissapearing into the beer lines, or simply to get drunk and make lots of noise. Get some manner, cubs-fans, you're embarrasing your city and your beloved team...Some of the profanities spewed from the drunken mouths f some of the fans could not be repeated on this board.

Conversley, the one source that is supposed to bring energy to the game, the scoreboard, is hopelessly small and quite. The PA speakers seem to be set on "1920" volume, there is no entertaimnent on the scoreboard between innings and the only music creeks out of an outdated organ which grinds out some classic rock tunes between innings (Twist and SHout, Louie Louie, etc.). This is baseball, not golf. Crank up the Jumbotron and let's have some hot-dog races, blooper highlights and other crazy stuff that makes the fans love baseball...Again, this is a tough game, so give it some guts with a Jumbotron, not some dinky old electric piano.

Wrigley is clearly antiquated and well past it's prime usefullness as a stadium. While it has some historical appeal, the grime, poor construction, terribly indecent fans, and bad Chicago weather make it a less than pleasent experience. Like Tiger Stadium, Forbes Field and Jarry Parc of Montreal before it, the cubs are deserving of an updated modern facility that will have the modern amenities (a la Olympic Stadium of Montreal or Skydome) the fans demand. Their best options would probably be either to remodel (a la Yankee Stadium), perhaps adding a domed roof, or to work on a new facility...Otherwise the team might have to move or be contracted in the upcoming labor wars, a fate that a team with such a rich tradition and so many local and national fans, certainly does not deserve.

Just my humble Quebecoise opinion.

Jean Jaques....

Jean Jaques Martinee

The Wrigley Field Experience -- 2001-09-05

I have been to Wrigley Field many times over the years and it is still my favorite park. It was built before luxury boxes drove the upper decks of ballparks into the ionosphere and greed caused the owners to cram too many seats into insufficient space. The grandstand seats at Wrigley have knee, shoulder and elbow room and they face the diamond (go to a game at the Metrodome where none of those things are true and you will realize their importance). There are plenty of aisles, allowing easy access for fans and vendors alike. With a simple organ rather than a blaring multi-media scoreboard, conversation is easy and enjoyable - and that is what makes an afternoon at the ballpark special. I must confess, I liked it much better when the roofs across the streets were populated by ordinary fans with lawn chairs and coolers, rather than the bleachers and corporate parties that occupy those rooftops now. After the game, the "El" will whisk you right downtown or north to the Park and Ride lot on Howard St. at the Evanston border, but you should first "let the el platform clear" - a euphemism for stopping in one of the true sports bars around the park.

Terry Walters

Why Every Basebll Fan Should See One Game At Wrigely -- 2001-08-21

I am a transplanted east coaster baseball fan who relocated to Chicago 7 years ago. I have been to many parks Major, Minor, in Mexico etc. I may be a little biased living 10 walkable blocks from the Wrig, (but to balance, I used to live 2 Broad St line st ops from the Vet, which is as close to hell as a ball park should ever be.)

The frat party can be a bit much at times, but in any ball park there are a large contingent of folks who are less than interested in the game. There is so much more.

But I fell in love with Wrigely for the following reasons: 1)I remember the first game I went to at Wrigely. As you enter the stadium and walk up the ramp, you will catch a glimpse of the Feild and the Ivy and the Score Board through the entrys to the seats. You stop dead, and lose your breath. You wander closer to take a look, even though you are nowhere near your seats. The Usher looks at you, and you say, "I, ummm,..." And the usher says, "first time here? Welcome to Wrigley Feild. Take your Time." It happend to me and I've seen it happen to countless folks I've taken. 2)The Bricks and the Ivy, the Score Board, no Giant Screen, the open Bull Pens on the sidelines. The flags indicating the National League Standings. It makes you think of times that were less hurried, less complex. 3)Day Games. Lots of them. From opening days where you dress like you are going to a football game in December in Green Bay, to days so hot you think you are going to melt. But every now and then, you can sneak out of work on one of those absolutely amazing blue sky days, and its warm enough for no coat, but you bring one just in case. And the feild and ivy is so green it reminds you of playing ball in feilds as a kid. Or those days in September, when you can smell autumn. This is how baseball should be played. 4)The old Marquee as you walk in, past the dixeland band. 5)The funny bumps in the walls in right and left feild, making any ball hit there an interesting play. 6)The unspoken tribute to Harry every 7th inning, and people that would never sing in the shower let alone in public singing "Take me out to the Ball Game". 7)The "Hey Hey" on the foul polls reminding all of Jack. 8)Throwing the ball back after an opponents home run. Or the scramble on Waveland Ave after one is hit out of the park. 9)Being close enough to the feild that you can see the emotions on the players faces. 10) An Old-Style beer, a bag of Peanuts, WGN-AM 790 on a little radio,a score card, a good friend and ANY game. The feeling that there is no where else in the world you would rather be.

If you get the chance, go to a game at Wrigley. You'll see what I mean.

Mike Dorosh

A great park, but... -- 2001-08-15

The frat party atmosphere of the place makes it a disappointing place for the traditional baseball fan. Besides Fenway, you won't find a park with the tradition and charm of Wrigley, that's obivous. For any out-of-towner, this park is a must see, but for anyone who lives in the area and has the opportunity to go to several baseball games at Wrigley a year, the place really feels like a tourist trap. Such a large percentage of fans at any given Cubs game are at the park for either the first time, or it is the only game they will see there all season. As a result, the fans are not quite as into the game as they should be. Sure, Sammy gets a big cheer, but it feels like the common fan would settle for a Cubs loss if they could be assured of a Sosa homer. Perhaps that will change as the pennant race thickens. But if you are a true, die-hard, Sammy can take the collar and I'll be ecstastic because the Cubs won, fan, the atmosphere can get on your nerves. Then again, I'm a Sox fan, and I couldn't care less how beautiful or charming anything is if it can lure a title to the South Side, a true fan of any team should feel the same way.

Micah Heilicser

-- 2001-08-14

Just got back from an 8 day, 6 stadium Road trip and had a chance to catch my 3rd game at Wrigley. Of couse, I sat in the bleachers all 3 times. It was unbelieveable hot during the game - every half-inning a guy with a hose stood at the top of the bleachers and sprayed everyone. He was greeted with "Hose Man, Hose Man" chants each time. There might not be a more fun atmosphere in baseball than the Wrigley bleachers. The stadium itself it fantastic - virtually absent of advertising, the brick and ivy walls remind you of all the baseball history. Everyone is genuinely friendly, the players and fans interact during BP more than anywhere else, and you have to love the energy and enthusiasm Sosa shows. People don't come to see exploding scoreboards, flashy video screens, or sausage races because this park doesn't need all that junk. The atmosphere and character of the park draw enough people and you might just catch a great ball game too! Again, I've only sat in the bleachers to there's plenty of this park I can't comment on. Plusses: Being a bleacher bum for a day, getting a good tan (or sunburn...), joking with the players, chanting "Left Field Sucks!", drinking Old Style, watching baseballs fly onto Waveland Avenue, hanging out in Wrigleyville. Minuses: You can't get into the rest of the park with bleacher tickets - seperate gates, concessions, everything. Someday I'll have to break down and sit in the grandstand. If you drive and leave right after the game, traffic is a bear - stop and have a beer or 3 and wait for traffic to ease up. Overall, I'd give it 4.9 out of 5 - basically everything you could ask for.

Note on parking: Go early for day games during the week and park for free on the streets around Wrigley. For night games and weekend games, park somewhere else and take the EL to the field - it's cheap, easy, and fast.

John Branstad

Wrigley experience -- 2001-08-13

All of my trips to Wrigley have been more than enjoyable. Parking is easy once you go there enough and figure it out. I park 2 blocks west of the stadium and another couple of blocks south. Sounds complicated, but it's not really. That way, you get to walk through Wrigleyville and get a real feel for the CUBS experience. Ticket prices are great and almost all seats are good.

For a real GREAT experience, go during the Air Show they have in Chicago every year.

Bryan Gipson

-- 2001-08-04

This is baseball heaven!!!...especially for an afternoon game!...probably the best old park in the country...DON'T CHANGE IT!!

RC

World Series -- 2001-08-03

Sorry, Chris.

Yes, the Cubs did win two World Series, the last in 1908. Wrigley Field, being built in 1914, was home to neither of them.

Dan Doherty

Where to sit -- 2001-07-24

I am less than thrilled that, for some reason, my previous remarks on this site were taken down. Wrigley Field is an interesting place to visit in the middle of very large city. It was home to some of the worst baseball played in the 20th century.

People who go there in search of a 'mystical' experience will be somewhat disappointed. The fans are front runners. The employees, however, are friendly and that counts. Enjoy your visit. FJ

flaco Jimenez

correction -- 2001-07-21

Everybody talks about A.P. being wrong about the World Series titles. The fact that the last cub championship was in 1908 dosen't make a difference, they still have two (1906, if you might remember, that's the only thing keeping the 98 Yanks from having the best record in Major League history.)

Chris

Unbelievable! -- 2001-07-20

That's right...unbelievable, some of the comments I see here. Wrigley Field is simply the greatest park in the world to see a baseball game. First of all Wrigley may be the most least expensive major league park in America to see a game. I guess if you want real ambience you can go somewhere else and see a scoreboard go up in smoke or cartoon characters race around the ballpark. It seems to me that it's not baseball these people want to see. Maybe they should check out the NBA.

Tim Evans

The Best -- 2001-07-19

I've been around to most of the parks and Wrigley holds its head high among the very best. The place is great. I can't get enough of that Wrigley Pig sandwich, Budweiser, a real organ, and a scrappy ball club. The building is old and, as such, doesn't look as fancy as some other parks, but that is half of the charm. A trip to Wrigley is not about ferris wheels, jumbotrons and loud music. It's about watching the game and having a good time doing it. For those of you that complain that people don't pay attention to anything but Sammy, you should take a look around at some of the other parks. The attendees pay no more attention to the game while strolling around looking at the "attractions" in the new parks. Additionally, if you don't mind walking a few blocks, parking is not bad. Part of the neighborhood atmosphere is actually seeing the neighborhood.

Dan Connolly

Setting the Record Straight -- 2001-07-18

For those considering a trip to Wrigley Field, let me warn you...it isn't for everybody. Parking is expensive, no exploding scoreboards, the menu is limited (but Connie's Pizza is the best in the world), the seats are uncomfortable, if it rains - you will get wet, if you miss a base hit - you won't be able to see a replay, if you want to know the score you will have to know how to add. Why would anybody want to go there?

Because you will never sit closer to the action, see a more beautiful field, meet more knowledgable fans, or get to experience baseball they way it was played before television, corporate America, and a bunch of greedy owners ruined it.

Everybody says that the fans who go to Wrigley don't go to see the game. What else is there?

Oh, and it buries Fenway.

Tom Clark

Beautiful -- 2001-07-11

I went to Wrigley for the first time in early May 2001. Cubs were playing the Padres. I saw a Wednesday night game and a Thursday day game. 80 degrees on Wednesday and about the same Thursday. Took the subway to the park. Very simple to do even for a non-city person. If you are a real baseball fan you should make the trek to Wrigley if at all possible. It truly is a baseball shrine. I'm a life long Pirates fan, but this was as good a baseball experience as you could ask for. I've been to Yankee Stadium, Camden Yards, etc. Wrigley is the best. I'm hoping to get to PNC Park this year and see that stadium.

Two things to do if you're a hard core basbeall fan. First, see Wrigley. Second, go to Spring Training.

Dave Ulery

Can't Beat the Ivy -- 2001-07-07

I went to a Cubs game years and years ago...sometime in the 80's I think. Durham was playing then, whenever that was. I remember it because he hit a ball foul by about 15 feet that the umpire called fair. No matter, the Cards won the game anyway.

I loved being there just because it was Wrigley, it has real grass (My previous baseball experience up to that time was the Travesty of Baseball, the Kingdome), brick wall, ivy--all in all, the field is beautiful. The seating area, however...dank concrete, small smelly bathrooms, just an old place. And this was ten or fifteen years ago, remember. If they could just build new seating around the existing brick and ivy...

Mark Jensen

Immortal Wrigley Field -- 2001-06-22

First off, let me compliment current Cub Matt Stairs for his comments on this page. Secondly, it's nice to know that half-wit former Chicago "sports journalists" now are religated to posting their idiotic opinions on message boards.

Wrigley is the finest ball park in all of baseball in which to watch a game. It is not a stadium and perhaps that's why some messages on this board complain of no parking -- if you want acres of blacktop, go to Kansas City; if you want a traditional sense of big city baseball, you need to walk through the neighborhood and get a sense for the special nature of the area. Parking isn't that bad -- you pay $15 or $20, squeeze your car along with thirty others into a space that on a normal weekday wouldn't hold five cars and off you go, so what. Lighten up a little -- if you don't like being the least bit inconvenienced when you go to an event with 40,000 other people, stay home and watch it on TV.

So you park, you grab a Vienna Red Hot at Yum Yum Donuts (I know it's a donut place but they've got great hot dogs; just outside the park), buy a scorecard, a couple of pencils and walk up the stairs and look out on heaven on earth (or hell depending on how the Cubs are doing that year). The park is beautiful, the sounds of the El-trains rattling by is nice, and you have a perfect excuse to sit and talk nothing but baseball for a few hours. What more do you need? The older ushers are a kick to talk to. Many have been there forever and love to talk about everything they've seen in those many years

Get there in time for batting practice -- that's always a treat.

If you're a baseball fan, you have to go to Wrigley or your life just won't be complete.

Kelly Patterson

-- 2001-06-19

I love being inside Wrigley. Playing there is great and so is the fans. The ballpark brings "real" baseball atmosphere. I like having fans who come day in and day out to watch us. The ivy is awesome upclose, and it is a pleasure to play for a team which I watched on TV when I was a kid.

Matt Stairs

Explanation for A.P. -- 2001-06-13

A.P.- I cherish the history of Wrigley Field and all the old parks. All I'm saying is that maybe the Cubs could pay a little more attention to the stadium. It wouldn't cost that much to repaint it and do some structural repairs. Also, Cubs fans sicken me because the ownership knows that they could put a Little League team on the field with a $10 payroll and still sell out the park every day! This year's performance is a complete fluke. The Cubs will never be a serious contender until people realize that Wrigley looks like a dump and they stop going. Then, maybe the Cubs will hire a real GM, get some real players, and actually cultivate their own talent rather than obtaining it all through free agency and trades.

Matt Luby

BORING -- 2001-06-12

its old and falling apart� nobody pays attention to the game unless sammy is batting� everyone is just there to get drunk� its hard to park your car too�

les grobstein

Bleachers -- 2001-06-11

Take the L (subway) to an afternoon game and enjoy the sun/rain. It's awesome. I went to an afternoon game that had three rain delays and lasted 7hrs and 20 mins altogether. I met other METS fans and even a few Cubs fans, not sammy sosa fans. You'll experience the whole thing that way- so scalp a bleacher seat and enjoy the atmosphere.

Chris

I guess the game doesn't count -- 2001-06-06

Why is it that when so-called Cubs fans talk about the Cubs the team itself is never mentioned. All I ever hear is about the park, the neighborhood, and the woman. Here's a little update, the park only has 8,000 good seats. The rest face sideways. The "neighborhood" is nothing but transients. The average person lives in the area for less than 2 years. Actually, the only good thing the park has going for it is Old Style.

Mike O'Connor

Enjoy it while it lasts -- 2001-06-04

To say Wrigley is a classic is a giant understantement. Now there's a park made for baseball. Hard to tell that the Bears shoe-horned a football field in it for decades (yep, the field goals and extra points sailed out of Wrigley like the baseballs). The last ballpark of the old Federal League...it was built originally for the Chicago Whales, not the Cubs. Even the lights didn't ruin Wrigley (though it has the worst lights in the majors. It was supposed to have lights in the 1940's, but the Wrigley family donated them to the World War II effort). Great that they replace the old astroturf hitters background with something natural....fake turf belongs nowhere in Wrigley. But sadly it is rusting and decaying, and the Cubs will have to call a new park home someday in our lifetime. Hope it isn't a dome like they planned 20 years ago. The new park needs ivy too, can't have the Cubs without the ivy, which was brought by the same man (Bill Veeck) who had the idea of the old White Sox exploding scoreboard. Just hope the Cubs finally win a World Series in Wrigley and move to a ballpark that looks nothing like what the White Sox play in now. After they move, Wrigley needs to be lovingly restored and made a national landmark to remind future generations what a real baseball park looks like.

David Bryant

Nothing's better than the Friendly Confines -- 2001-06-03

There are few things in this world that can beat an afternoon at Wrigley Field. Get there early, scalp some bleacher seats, have a few Old Styles and soak in the best baseball atmosphere in the world. If you're lucky, Sammy will hit a home run. If you're really lucky, the Cubs will win.

Go Cubbies

Great Trip -- 2001-05-31

Had a great time at a beautiful park, again!!!! Sat in the bleachers and held up "K's" for Kerry Wood's awesome pitching performance against the Brewers on 05/24/01. Recommend arriving very early to get parking (consider yourself lucky for a spot less then a block for less then $20.00) and try the box office for tickets before buying from street vendors. Batting practice is very enjoyable, I returned with 5 balls for my kids. If you go you must have your glove.

Rick Dhabalt

What World Series titles? -- 2001-05-28

Wrigley is a great old park with lots of history, but A.P. is wrong about 1 thing--the Cubs haven't won a World Series since 1908!

Don Martiniak

Back to the past -- 2001-05-27

I found my trip to Wrigley to be a pleasant experience.The people seemed very nice, especially the elderly woman in front of me, alternating between crocheting and eating cotton candy. I wondered if the garment was a ploy/cotton blend! I loved the lack of advertisements and loud, garish music. I really felt the game was the main attraction.I also enjoyed the view of people sitting on roofs of the houses located beyond the outfield fence.The bars across from the field were alos a lot of fun.

DanPiscopo

History -- 2001-05-26

Mr. Luby,

Although the stadium may be rusting and decaying, it is still a stadium that has housed alot of history and that is usually enough for anyone. I'm just sorry that you don't feel any sense of awe at the amount of history that has gone on in that stadium. Since 1914, that stadium has housed the likes of Babe Ruth, Hack Wilson, Tinkers-to-Evers-to-Chance double plays, 2 World Series titles, and much more. Just consider yourself lucky to have been able to see a landmark such as Wrigley in an era in which history seems to not matter

A.P.

"Timeless Classic" -- 2001-05-23

In an age when ballparks are built at the rate which human interest changes, Wrigley is a reminder of the greatness of yesteryear. I loved it, because it's so small and right in chicago, you feel like youre just around the corner. the man who tears down this stadium should be shot. you cant replicate the stuff that makes wrigley great no matter how much money you spend.

Not important

Wrigley is overrated -- 2001-05-22

Wrigley Field is not all it is cracked up to be. The parking is pretty bad. The stadium itself, while being legendary, seems to be decaying and rusting as we speak. The aura of a traditional ballpark is enough to go to Wrigley, but it is no awesome park by any stretch of the imagination.

Matt Luby

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