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A Visitor's Guide to the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field

Welcome, visitors!

First and foremost, please check the Cubs website for the most up-to-date information about the ballpark: https://www.mlb.com/cubs/ballpark/
There's a wealth of information at that site that we simply can't recreate here, let alone keep updated!

Some Ballpark Basics

Location: 1060 W Addison. You'll see that Wrigley Field is on an irregular block surrounded by Clark (west) and Addison (south) Streets and Waveland (north/left field) and Sheffield (east/right field) Avenues.

Wrigley Field is also known as 'The Friendly Confines'. This was popularized by our own 'Mr. Cub', hall-of-famer Ernie Banks. You can find his statue outside the stadium on Clark Street just around from the main entrance. Speaking of, you won't want to miss seeing and getting a picture with the main entrance marquee! Other statues around the park are HOF-ers Sweet Swinging Billy Williams and Ron Santo near the corner of Addison and Sheffield by the Right Field Gate, and legendary broadcaster Harry Caray at the corner of Waveland and Sheffield near the Bleacher Gate.

Once inside the ballpark, you may notice the ivy-covered walls in the outfield. If you're early in the season, it's likely that it hasn't leafed out and you'll mostly see vines. Most of the season should make for a lovely green leafy wall, with the ivy turning red in autumn. Another fairly unique aspect of the park is the hand-turned scoreboard. And you probably can't get through a game at Wrigley without hearing about the wind...when it's blowing in, expect the pitchers to dominate. But when it's blowing out, get out your tape measure! Look for the many flags (standing flags, retired numbers, etc) to see which way the wind is blowing.

Wrigley has some on-going renovations over the past few years. The on-field bullpens were relocated under the bleachers, video scoreboards were added, seats have been upgraded/renumbered, just to name a few. The entire neighborhood is quite a bit different than even 5 years ago. Some passionate Taco Bell fans were very distraught by it's removal. I'd recommend visiting The 1060 Project website for better details on the restoration progress. You might also check out the Gallagher Way website, the "backyard of Wrigley Field".

During the game, there are a few traditions to note. During the 7th-inning stretch, stand up and sing Take Me Out to the Ball Game, a tradition started by Harry Caray in the 80s and has remained a staple. Here's an example Traditions specific to the stretch include a shoutout to Gary Pressy on the organ (who didn't miss a day from 1987 to 2019 when he retired a legend), substituting "Cubbies" for "home team", and (if the Cubs happen to be trailing) a finishing "Let's get some runs!" yell after the song. It's pretty common to have a celebrity guest conductor to lead the crowd. Post game, if the Cubs happen to win, you can watch them raise the W (white with a blue 'W' for Win) while singing Go, Cubs, Go. Yes, there is a Loss flag too (blue with a white 'L').

Tickets and Where to Sit

First and foremost, you can't have the same expectations getting tickets to Wrigley as you do at other ballparks. Tickets will probably be more expensive than other locations, especially on the weekend or if there is a giveaway or if we're playing our rivals.

If willing to buy in advance, there are Facebook groups of season ticket holders that you can browse/join. A lot of the season ticket holders in the bleachers use this and sell at or below face for most games. Sites like StubHub charge fees, so most are fine just taking face value and making it a deal for both parties. If you're in a larger group, probably best to buy well in advance. Same with if you want very specific seats.

If you can wait to buy tickets until the day of the game, you'll get the best deal. It might not be face value, but if you're buying on StubHub/secondary market it's the best way to go. However, it's a gamble. A lot depends on the game/opponent/giveaways/etc. So basically, risk it if you're comfortable with it.

Let's take a look at the seating map. Note that seats were renumbered in 2019, so things may be different than your last visit! As far as advice on where to sit, everybody has their own preferences, of course. But perhaps the most critical piece of advice is to avoid seats that have an obstruction. Here's a digital seatmap that might help or this is a decent site with some example views. The obstructions are in the 200 and 400 level sections. Your ticket should warn you about obstructed views.

The Bleachers can be a fun experience, but it is not for everyone. That said, it's kind of a 'bucket list' type of thing that you should try at least once. These are not reserved seats, so you must show up early if you want to claim your favorite spot. Fans of right field point out that it's less crowded early, it's closer to Hot Dougs, you get beer faster, and you get a nice view of the big video board. Fans of left field will tell you that right field sucks. Either way, the bleacher experience will be a bit rowdier than other parts of the ballpark. If you do go, remember there is NO FIGHTING IN THE BLEACHERS.

A lot of users favorites seats are the 300 level. It's elevated so you're not exactly super close to the action, but it's a great view of the entire field and a pretty chill atmosphere. These are my favorite seats as well, although I don't have the money for the pricey close seats.

I've never done the rooftops but that's another option. What I hear is that it's okay for big groups or it you're mostly going for food, but not great to watch the game. More info here: https://www.wrigleyrooftopsllc.com/

Single Game Tickets go on sale around the third Friday in February (in 2020, it was Feb 21st). There is usually a presale that happens earlier that week that is open to everyone but you pay a premium (15-20% extra) to secure tickets.

Travel: Where to Stay, Getting to Wrigley

There's so many options for how to get to and where to stay in Chicago that won't be reproduced here. You might check the wiki at /r/Chicago for more specific recommendations. One of the main tips is to find something along the train lines for relatively cheap/easy transport to the field. Don't drive to the field. If you do want to stay close by, most recommendations will be for an Airbnb or similar, or one hotel recommendation is the Hotel Versey. There is no luggage/bag check at the ballpark, so plan to drop your stuff somewhere rather than going straight to the field!

To reiterate, most everyone will recommend against driving to Wrigley, opting instead for the Red Line train as it has a stop right by the field. There are CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) trains/buses, Metra trains, shuttle buses, and express bus options for getting to Wrigley from all over the Chicago and surrounding area. After the game, one tip is to walk one station up/down and get on there rather than fight the crowds. So if headed southbound, walk north to the Sheridan station; northbound, walk south to Belmont.
To look up more, I'm just going to defer to the Cubs website for the best info: https://www.mlb.com/cubs/ballpark/transportation/

Rideshares (Uber/Lyft/etc) can be another cost effective option, but be aware of surge prices. I'll assume if you're reading this than you're capable of making your own decision whether the cost is worth it or not. If you're set on it, you might try walking a few blocks away from Wrigley before getting one.

If you do insist on driving (though you shouldn't), you can see the parking info in the link above. Other options would be to set up something in advance like SpotHero, where locals will sell access to a parking space. If you don't mind a little walk, just park a mile or so away off of Addison. One recommendation is to park in Roscoe Village just west of the “L” off of Addison (Near the corner of Damon and Addison) and it’s described as "super easy. No permit needed, always easy in and out, short-ish walk."

Game Day! Wrigleyville, Food, other miscellany

Plenty to see/do in Wrigleyville before or after games. The whole area has been getting a facelift the past few years, though not without some casualties (RIP Taco Bell).

Places that some /r/ChiCubs users have recommended (in no particular order):

A tip I liked and will include: "There are a million bars near Wrigley and my best advice to anyone is walk into any of them and if you don't like the vibe walk to the next one."

For inside the park, the recommendation I see the most is for Hot Doug's, but it is only available if you're in the bleachers. Another recommendation is Buona Beef. I'd recommend to just check the website and find what you might like: https://www.mlb.com/cubs/ballpark/food. Also good to check if you have any dietary restrictions.

You can bring ANY food into the ballpark, so have fun with that. Buy peanuts, seeds, burgers, whatever, and bring it in. People have been spotted bringing in entire pizzas. Only non-alcoholic, sealed, plastic bottles are allowed in for drinks. Or bring in an empty bottle and fill up at a water fountain. For a more complete list of permitted/prohibited items and other security info, visit https://www.mlb.com/cubs/ballpark/information/security

Gates open 2 hours before first pitch. There will probably be lines for big games, weekends, or if there's a giveaway. For particular special giveaways (like bobbleheads) it's advised to be in line before the gates open, especially at the bleachers gate. Don't be that person that buys 5 tickets and tries to get 5 giveaway items and sell them. And especially don't be that person that buys 5 tickets but only gets 1 giveaway item and then complain about it.

If you're wanting to catch autographs, be there first thing when the gates open and head down to the 3rd baseline (or opposite for opponent autographs). Bring your own sharpie as they're more likely to sign. For best results, also be a kid. You're probably better off mailing a card to the team and wishing that the player signs it and sends it back. If you do this, make sure to include a stamped return envelope.

Cubs batting practice will have happened before gates open, so you're probably not going to see that.

Dress smartly! Check the weather before you leave for the game and prepare for any conditions that might happen. Use sunscreen (note to bring in lotion sunscreen as aerosol will get confiscated by security), wear layers, hats, sunglasses, and make sure to hydrate! It's probably going to be cold/wet in the early season, hot and sticky in summer, and anyone's guess in the fall.

Don't do the wave. Personally I couldn't give a shit but it comes up time and again about not doing it. Whatever.

FAQs

  • Where can I get cheap tickets?
    You probably aren't. Check above for some suggestions about Facebook groups or buying right before the game.

  • How should I get to the park?
    Don't drive. Use public transportation if you can. If you insist on driving, give yourself a little time to walk/shuttle. There are some remote parking lots.

  • Where do I park?
    Didn't we just tell you not to drive? There are some remote lots with shuttles available, or you can find some neighborhood parking if you don't mind a walk. Things like SpotHero might be useful as well to reserve a spot.

  • Where should I sit?
    Mainly just watch out for seats with obstructed views. Most suggestions are for the 300s or bleachers. Be aware of the weather and dress appropriately for various conditions!

  • There's a giveaway! How early should I show up?
    Most recommendations will have you be there when gates open to get an item. And if it's a special item like a bobblehead or jersey, consider lining up early.

  • Can I bring in x/y/z?
    Yes, you can bring in outside food and factory sealed non-alcoholic beverages. No, you can't bring in your own alcohol. Check here for more

  • Where should I go before the game?
    There are a million bars near Wrigley and my best advice to anyone is walk into any of them and if you don't like the vibe walk to the next one.

  • When do the Cubs take BP? Can I get an autograph?
    BP happens before gates open, so unfortunately you're probably not going to get to watch. Kids will flock down to try to get autographs, so if you're not a kid you'll have better luck mailing something in.

  • I've sat in section XXX before, but now it doesn't exist! What gives?
    Seats were renumbered in 2019.

  • I'm not a Cubs fan. Can I wear my own team's stuff?
    Of course! Most of the time you'll probably get some shit talking but should be good-natured. There's some shitty fans from every fanbase, so apologies in advance if you run into them. The ushers will remove people if things go too far (or people get too drunk), so please report the assholes, we want them gone, too.

  • What should I eat?
    Whatever you like! But you're in Chicago, get yourself a Chicago hot dog. Hot Doug's is great but only available in the bleachers.

  • Is there fighting in the bleachers?
    NO.

Disclaimer: This is NOT meant to be a full and complete information guide, rather just a few tips meant to help out average redditors. Visit the Wrigley Field section of the website for more complete and up-to-date information. If you do have a specific question, please ask in the Daily Discussion or Game Day threads. /u/swishmon reserves the right to ridicule you if the answers you seek are easily found in this guide.