Wrigley Field

By Jonathan Berohn

The current trend in baseball stadium design is to return to the past.  As great as the crop of new stadiums like Coors Field, Comerica Park, and Camden Yards are, they all suffer from the same flaw.  While you can duplicate the past’s appearance, you can’t build atmosphere.  For that, you need one of the few grand old stadiums still standing.  And if you’re a real baseball fan, sooner or later you need Wrigley Field.

The Majesty

With all the new stadiums popping up, there are really only three classic venues left: Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, and Wrigley Field.  While the majesty of Yankee Stadium thrills visitors with the spirits of past greats, and the bandbox that is Fenway Park puts you right on top of the action, Wrigley Field transports you back to a time when everyone loved baseball, and a leisurely day at the stadium was the best day anyone could imagine.

The Experience

The first rule about making a pilgrimage to Wrigley field is to attend a day game.  Yes, they’ve had lights for a while now, but go during the day if you really want the full experience.  You’re also better off going after mid-May if you want to see the ivy-covered walls with more than brown stems.  When it comes to seats, I’d suggest avoiding the bleachers unless you want to be part of the I’m-at-a-game-to-get-drunk crowd.  Things can get fairly raucous out there.

As for refreshments, the Chicago style hot dog is your best bet.  Unfortunately, there are better dogs available in the neighborhood right outside the stadium, so you might want to consider eating before you come.  For ballpark hot dogs, though, Wrigley’s aren’t bad—if you can stomach the almost $5 price (regular hot dogs are $1 cheaper—but come on…you’re in Chicago).

Getting There

You can check the schedule and get tickets through the Cubs official web site.  Once you have your tickets in hand, the best way to get to the park is via the El (Chicago’s subway/elevated train).  The nearest stop is right outside the stadium, and they run extra trains before and after games.  To avoid the long lines after the games, your best bet is to explore the neighborhood a bit.  And there’s plenty to see, buy, eat, and drink to keep you busy.