Opening day brings the promise of Spring to Chicago, and hopes of a winning baseball season to come. As the city begins to dethaw, visitors too begin to flock to the Midwest metropolis. One of the best things to do when visiting Chicago is to catch a Cubs baseball game at Wrigley Field. Read on for tips for visiting Wrigley Field.
Top Tips for Visiting Wrigley Field for a Cubs Game
- Buy water bottles outside the stadium (you can bring them in unopened!)
- Arrive to Wrigleyville an hour or two before game time to avoid crowds on the Red Line
- In lieu of stadium food, arrive early to try one of Lakeview’s amazing restaurants
- But in the stadium, grab a classic Chicago hot dog and DIY toppings as a mid-game snack
- If you want a photo under the iconic Wrigley Field red marquee, you’ll find it on the corner of Clark and Addison
- Save yourself time and hassle and enter through the appropriate gate
- If you’re sitting in the bleachers on a hot day, bring something to sit on and lots of SPF
How to Get to Wrigley Field
Wrigleyville is a residential area in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, home to young professionals, families, and the Chicago Cubs. Because of this, parking is limited. Official lots are subject to availability. If you’re driving to Wrigley and haven’t planned in advance, you can usually find residents waiving parking signs, selling off their extra spots.
The easiest way to get to Wrigley Field from downtown is to take the Red Line train to Addison. It will be very crowded immediately before and after Cubs games, so plan to arrive in Wrigleyville at least an hour before gametime, and stick around for a drink to avoid being squished on the Red Line.
Alternatively, the Southport Brown Line stop is a 12 minute walk from Wrigley Field, and will be significantly less crowded.
Where to Stay Near Wrigley Field
The boutique Hotel Zachary opened across the street from Wrigley Field in 2018 as part of continued development around Wrigley Field. It offers a luxury experience in the heart of the action. Historically, there have not been many hotels near Wrigley Field. Given the residential location, your best option for staying in Wrigleyville or Lakeview is a rental.
- Southport Corridor 2BR Modern Convenience
- 4BR Loft with Private Rooftop
- Sleeps 16 with Huge Private Rooftop
- Lakeview Luxury for Multi Families
- Stylish 2BR for Small Group
Where to Eat Near Wrigley Field
Although many stadiums in Chicago have revamped their food options to offer a sampling of the city’s best restaurants, Wrigley Field hasn’t caught up. The best thing to eat in the stadium is a simple Chicago style Vienna Beef hotdog.
Chicagoans have strong opinions about their toppings. A classic Chicago dog starts with a poppy seed bun and omits ketchup for yellow mustard, bright green relish, onions, tomato, a pickle spear, spicy sport peppers and a dusting of celery salt. Save the dog for a seventh inning stretch snack, and instead check out some of the best of Wrigleyville’s restaurants before the game. Plan to arrive at least an hour and a half before first pitch to have enough time to eat near Wrigley Field.
- Big Star for tacos and margs on draft
- Smoke Daddy for BBQ
- Old Crow for a drink and country music
- Happy Camper for pizza, Instagrammable drinks and vibes
- Ann Sather’s for breakfast or brunch in Lakeview
- GG’s Chicken Shop for a casual, but elevated chicken sandwich near the Southport Brown Line
- Small Cheval (Coming Soon!) for one of the best burgers in Chicago, a fast casual version of the famous Au Cheval burger.
- Corridor Brewing for lunch and local beer on their Southport patio
- Crosby’s Kitchen for a family friendly lunch or dinner, slightly away from the action of Wrigleyville
Where to Grab a Drink After the Game
Wrigleyville is known for its plethora of sports bars. If you don’t have enough time for a meal, plan to at least check out one of the iconic bars around the stadium. Some of the most popular options are:
- Cubby Bear for a classic Chicago bar
- Sluggers for dueling pianos and batting cages (yes, you read that right)
- Murphy’s for a decades-old Wrigleyville fixture
- Guthrie’s for more of a local neighborhood vibe (Pro tip: Guthrie’s serves free hot dogs on game day)
- Happy Camper for a sceney vibe
What is Wrigley Field Water Bottle Policy
Wrigley Field’s water bottle policy allows ticket holders to bring sealed water bottles into the stadium. As you approach Wrigley Field, there will be a number of street vendors selling single water bottles. Bring cash to buy from the coolers on the street corners to save money on overpriced in-stadium concessions.
Where to Sit in Wrigley Field
Ticket options to see the Cubs can be bucketed into three key groups: stadium seats, bleacher seats, and rooftops.
Wrigley Rooftops
The Wrigley Rooftops are a uniquely Chicago gameday experience. Given the stadium’s residential location, you can watch the game from the rooftops of adjacent brownstone apartment buildings. Although you will be outside the official stadium gates, this all-inclusive option is great for large groups who want a new perspective of Wrigley Field. Your rooftop ticket is all inclusive and typically comes with unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, and typical stadium-esque food (think burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and ice cream).
Bleachers
The general admission bleachers are my favorite seats in the park. Tucked behind the ivy-clad outfield wall, they are great for groups who want to sit together, but don’t want to coordinate assigned seats. Seating is not assigned in the bleachers, so arrive early for the best spot, or if you’re hoping to sit with a large group.
The bleachers come with their own energy: a certain camaraderie best depicted by the phenomemon of beer cup snakes. Keep in mind, these are quite literally bleacher seats. If you have a bad back, or are looking for a comfortable seat, this is not the best option for you.
Pro Tip: If you sit in the bleachers, you will likely be in full sun for the duration of the game. Be sure to wear a hat and sunglasses, and bring extra SPF. On hot days, the metal bleachers can get hot, so bring a small towel or an extra layer to sit on.
Stadium Seats
For a classic ballpark experience, and the best option for families, snag standard stadium seats.
What to do in Wrigleyville When Cubs Are Away
Wrigleyville is worth a visit, even when the Cubs aren’t in town. It is a vibrant community with things to do all times of the year. Whether the Cubs are in town or not, be sure to get a photo under the Wrigley Field red marquee on the corner of Clark and Addison to commemorate your visit.
Concerts
For a few nights each summer, Wrigley Field transforms into a concert venue. This year’s lineup includes acts like Bruce Springsteen, Dead & Co, Fall Out Boy, P!nk, and Morgan Wallen.
Christkindl Market & Skating
During Christmastime, skip the masses of the downtown Christkindl Market and instead head to Wrigley for a smaller-scale version, and ice skating on Wrigley Field.
Gallagher Way
Gallagher Way sits under the shadows of Wrigley Field, and offers pre-game activities for ticket holders, and many free events on non-game days. Upcoming events include a free concert series, Thursday French Market, and morning workout classes.
Wrigley Stadium Tour
On non-game days, you can join a 90 minute tour of Wrigley Field that will take you on the field, in the dugout, and up close to the legendary outfield ivy.
Shopping
If you’re in the Wrigleyville area and want to buy something that’s not blue, red, or white, head over to Southport, one of my favorite streets to shop in Chicago.
Have any other tips for visiting Wrigley Field? Leave a comment below!
