Wrigley Field Chicago – Tips and Things to Do for First-Time Visitors

Follow along to discover everything you need to know about Wrigley Field Chicago.

Inmesh yourself in the storied history of one of the United States’ most beloved baseball parks when you experience the excitement of day games and glimpse the famous ivy covered outfield walls.

Load up on Cubs news, plan your next Wrigley Field Christmas, or explore the Friendly Confines of the North Side of Chicago.

Whether you are searching for ‘hotels near wrigley field’ or are wondering if the left field bleachers are a great place to sit, we’ve covered it all.

Whatever your Wrigley Field fantasies, our guide will give you the 411 on this field of dreams.

Wrigley Field History

Ready to join your fellow bleacher bums and become part of Major League Baseball history? Sit tight, because Cubs Park contains a colorful heritage stretching back over a hundred years. Designed by architect Zacahry Taylor Davis, the stadium first opened in 1914 as Weeghman Park. It was game ready by April 23, 1914, at which point the original tenants, the Chicago Whales played the home opener.

The Whales would come in second in the Federal League rankings in 1914. This team would fold by 1915, and on April 20,1916 the Cubs would play their very first home game at Wrigley and triumph over the Cincinnati Reds. Located in the North Side community, Wrigley Field is the oldest park in the National league and the only remaining Federal League park.

Wrigley’s tenure as owner of the Cubs would end in 1981 when the Tribune Company purchased the club from the Wrigley family, ending the longest continuous operation of a franchise by the same family in one city. Since 2009, the Ricketts Family has owned 95% interest in the Cubs. Today, the park is a designated National Historic Landmark and considered a Chicago ‘must see.’

Wrigley Field Games

Chomping at the bit for the Cubs opening day? Snag a peek at the Chicago Cubs Schedule here, or combine your day of clutch hits and cracker jacks with one of the stadium’s famous Wrigley Field Tours.

Chicago Cubs Tickets

Batter up! From seats above home plate to optimal spots above center field, there are no bad views in the Friendly Confines. Snag a rooftop seat courtesy of a nearby building, or catch wind of all the Chicago Cubs news and gossip from die hard bleacher fans.

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Take a gander at the official Wrigley Field seating chart here, and decide for yourself what are the best seats at Wrigley Field. Once you’re ready to witness that famous red marquee for yourself, purchase your Chicago Cub tickets. From single day games to Summer Night Specials and group options, there are plenty of ways to join the Cub fandom.

Wrigley Field Parking

Beep Beep! America’s pastime should be about the thrill of the game, not the pursuit of a parking spot. Make sure you spend your time comparing baseball stats and chowing down on Chi-town dogs. Not trolling the streets for a space when you heed our Wrigley Field parking tips:

• The Chicago Cubs care about the environment and so should you! Driving to the game means encountering a ton of traffic, so the Cubs strongly encourage the use of public transportation for events at Wrigley Field.
• Wrigley Field guests can find easy transportation by using Metra Trains, Pace shuttle buses and Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) buses and trains.
• Additionally, rideshare options are also a convenient and economical way to arrive at the game.
• Still got your heart set on driving? The Cubs provide a variety of parking options for all events at Wrigley Field. All of these lots are cashless and are easy in and easy out. Spots can also be booked in advance through SpotHero.
• For more parking questions and or concerns, fans can contact the services team at: 1-773-388-8270.

Wrigley Field Food

Popcorn, bratwurst, and cracker jacks, oh my! While the Wrigley Field concessions may be fairly standard, you can still find plenty of game day worthy snacks within the Friendly Confines. However, hungry patrons hankering for a more robust meal will discover a plethora of restaurants near Wrigley Field.

Indeed, in recent years the Wrigleyville neighborhood has had a culinary renaissance. Fans can sample craft brews, world famous wings, slow cooked BBQ, and more:

• Uncommon Ground – what once began as a charming coffee shop has grown into a mecca for local art, live music, and the first organic brewery in the state of Illinois. Delve into steak and eggs, vegan caesar salads, or Helen’s famous grilled chicken sandwich paired with a Mutti’s Kolsch.
• Toons Bar & Grill – a friendly bar located just steps from the field, thirsty patrons can hightail it here for ice cold drafts, juicy Black Angus Burgers, tater tot baskets, and their iconic Jumbo wings.

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• Big Star – looking to switch up your game day nachos and fries for some more picante fare? Take on a whole mess of tacos when you feast at Big Star. Now with a Wrigleyville location, Cubs fans can sample al pastor, pollo, and pescado tacos prior to the game.
• Murphy’s Bleachers – a Wrigleyville staple for over 80 years, Murphy’s is home to the legendary Bleacher Bums, tons of Cubs memorabilia, and made from scratch chili. Tuck into an order of creamy chipotle mac and cheese, or keep it handheld with Polish sausage.
• Smoke Daddy – lip smacking, slow cooked BBQ is what’s on the menu at Smoke Daddy. Refuel after a home game with a platter of Chicago style spare ribs or smoked brisket and burnt ends.
• Mordecai – feeling fancy? Trade in peanuts and cheap beer for craft cocktails when you dine at Mordecai. Elevate your Cubs cuisine experience with an order of charcuterie, wagyu beef tartare, or pork belly porchetta.

Fun Things at Wrigley Field

Hey there shortstop! True Wrigley fans know that the buck doesn’t stop at baseball. In fact, many non sporting events are held at Wrigley Field throughout the year. Wrigley Field concerts are legendary and attract top talent such as Bruce Springsteen, P!NK, and Guns N’ Roses.

Check out the latest musical offerings, or wait until the winter months for a special Wrigley Field Christmas. Last year the stadium was transformed into a glittering winter wonderland courtesy of Gallagher Way. Visitors on the hunt for even more holiday treats and cheer can also stop by the traditional German Christkindlmarket hosted in Wrigleyville each year.

Hotels Near Wrigley Field Chicago

Not lucky enough to call the Windy City home? If you are on the hunt for Chicago Hotels near Wrigley Field, you’re about to score a home run. We offer up a number of downtown Chicago Hotels located just mere minutes from the stadium.

Savor modern furnishings and a continental breakfast, or keep things classic with a stay at The Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center. Wherever you rest your head, you’ll be just a stones throw from the Navy Pier, Millenium Park, and Wrigley Field.

Psst..still scrolling for the top things to do closest to Wrigley Field? Check out our entire array of incredible Chicago Things to Do and couple your major league baseball game with a trip to the Art Institute of Chicago or a Bikes, Bites, & Brews tour.

Nowhere are sports and history more intertwined than the Windy City. Fiercely loyal, Chicago Cubs have made a lifetime of supporting their team and trekking to Wrigley Field for languid afternoons and evenings of baseball, bratwurst, and fly balls.

An integral part of the MLB legacy, even baseball newbies will be enchanted by Wrigley’s old school scoreboard and famous ivy backdrop.

Spot the point in centerfield where Babe Ruth hammered his iconic 1932 shot. Or wrangle your way onto a rooftop seat.

However you choose to take in this holy hall of baseball, you are guaranteed a true Chi-town adventure.

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