How to Have a Perfect Game Day at Wrigley Field

For more than 100 years Wrigley Field has welcomed guests to marvel at its ivy-colored brick outfield, snap photos under its iconic red marquee, and delight in its old-school scoreboard (which continues to be hand-turned). Dubbed “The Friendly Confines,” Wrigley Field has served as the backdrop for the most iconic baseball movies (Rookie of the Year, The Natural and A League of Their Own among them). It is more than just home to the MLB’s Chicago Cubs: It’s part of Chicago’s identity.

A visit to the city isn’t complete without a stop at the ballpark—the oldest in the National League and second only to Boston’sFenway Park in the Majors. It’s best known for its baseball but its roster of events has grown to include a Red Stars match on June 8 and concerts from big name acts (like Pearl Jam, Luke Bryan and Def Leppard) throughout the summer. Whatever the occasion, here’s how to navigate Wrigleyville like a pro.

The park is entirely cashless. Purchase tickets in advance from MLB.com or at the box office. Retail, concessions, in-seat vending, and tickets for the Cubs Charities 50/50 Raffle are also cashless. Payment can include a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or mobile wallet. Reverse ATMs are available for fans throughout the park to convert cash to a card that can be used for purchases at the ballpark.

College students who are at least 18 years old are eligible to receive last-minute ticket offers from the Cubs through their CUBS U! student ticket program. There are also “School Night,” promos throughout the year that include a hot dog and non-alcoholic beverage.

Fans 2 years old and younger are admitted to regular season Cubs games without a ticket, but must be seated on the lap of a parent or guardian.

Bike, walk, scooter, pedicab, or take the CTA. Driving to Wrigley Field should be your last option. The area is packed with people when there’s action on the field. Do yourself a favor and use an alternative mode of transportation. The Addison Red Line stop is just steps away from the park or if you don’t mind a short walk, you can take the Brown line and get off at Southport. Several bus lines are active to service riders heading in every direction of the city. If you do drive, plan to arrive super early to ensure you beat the traffic and to find a spot close to the park that ensures you don’t get ticketed or towed.

There are no designated parking lots for tailgating (limited parking is a common theme around these parts and the Chicago Police Department strictly enforces open alcohol container laws) but Gallagher Way is the closest thing you’ll get to it. Located on the west side of the field, the open-air, picnic area field is family friendly and has something for everyone. Ticket holders can access Gallagher Way before, during and after their ticketed game.

No visit to Wrigleyville is complete without a visit to Sluggers. The iconic bar opened its doors nearly 40 years ago and it has become a sports lover’s dream. The downstairs bar boasts more than 40 TV screens to watch all the action, along with dueling pianos. Upstairs is an arcade that includes its famous batting cages, air hockey, Pop-a-Shot, and other classic games.

For a unique view of the gathering crowds at Wrigley, head to Alma at Hotel Zachary. The second floor terrace across the street from the red marquee welcoming guests, provides a bird’s eye view of the action and an upscale alternative to the rowdy, bar crowds.

Guests 21 years of age and older not drinking alcoholic beverages can sign up for Anheuser-Busch’s Decide to Ride Designated Driver Program at the Fan Services booth behind home plate, where they’ll receive a voucher for a free regular-size fountain drink valid at at the Marquee Classics concession stand located near Section 117.

There’s no shortage of quick service restaurants in the area. There’s the stoner themed Cheba Hut (located just around Wrigley’s dispensary) serving up Parisian hand-rolled bread for vegetarians and meat lovers alike with late night hours for night owls. The walking taco of Frito corn chips, spicy pinto bean dip, crema, cholula salsa, queso chihuahua, onion, cilantro from Big Star is always a hit thanks to its easy-to-carry-format. But if you’re looking for more than just grab and go, then add Lowcountry to the top of your list. The seafood boil spot is casual and perfect for groups. On your way, stop at Nisei Lounge, the oldest bar in Wrigleyville, for a drink. Or walk a little further for Italian at Mia Francesca, a city staple. If you don’t mind a walk, then make your way to Crosby’s Kitchen where kids eat for free and the housemade monkey bread is a hit.

Expect the classics around the ballpark. There’s Home Run Inn Pizza, Vienna Beef dogs (veggie options are available), and Garrett’s Popcorn. New this year Wrigley Executive Chef Hugo Lopez introduced a chimichurri steak sandwich, chicken quesadillas, and loaded nachos topped with a choice of veggie chorizo, chicken tinga, and slowed-cooked beef. Bleacher bums get the added option of Small Cheval burgers and Hot Doug’s specialty sausages (the only place you can get them in the city since its namesake restaurant closed in 2014).

The Bleachers at Wrigley Field are an experience all in themselves. They are general admission, loud, and, well, bleachers. Bring plenty of sunblock since there isn’t much shade and don’t lose your ticket if you plan to roam around the park. A bleacher ticket gets you in the main stadium but not the other way around.

Entering the ballpark early has its perks. Among the giveaways for this season are Cubs branded shirts, cozy blankets, and collectible bobbleheads. If it’s your first time to Wrigley Field, commemorate the event with a “First Timer’s Certificate.” Make your way to the First Timer’s location inside the Gallagher Way Gate on the main concourse.

Go behind the scenes of this legendary park with one of their Wrigley Field Tours. The 90-minute journey through the iconic home of the Cubs provides guests a new and unique perspective. Choose from game day or non-game day tours (the latter of which provides more access to the ballpark).

Immortalized in bronze on the north side of Gallagher Way are the revered figures of Cubs' history: Ernie Banks, Fergie Jenkins, Ron Santo, and Billy Williams. They’re a fun way to pass the time and Ryne Sandberg, the Cubs player and manager, is joining their ranks June 23, 2024. Just outside the Budweiser Bleacher Gate is the statute of the iconic sportscaster Harry Caray.

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