by kosvp

April 18, 2005

From journal Windy City Spots

It is America’s pastime, baseball. Almost nowhere else in America will you get the same experience as you do at Wrigley Field. It is considered one of the best baseball fields to visit in the United States, and the atmosphere at a Cubs game is like no other.

Baseball is in its purest form at Wrigley Field. The stadium was built in 1914 and little has changed since then. It is the second oldest major-league ballpark in the nation and brings feelings of nostalgia anytime you are there. Wrigley Field still has its original scoreboard, and you can tell if the Cubs won or lost their game that day by the flag flying from it (W = Win, L= Lost). You feel like you must root for the home team here (and it will be the Cubs, not the Socks); you must indulge in beer, popcorn, ice cream, and peanuts to your heart’s content; and you will sing "Take me out to the Ballgame."

I would suggest purchasing tickets online or through Ticketmaster. The scalpers jack up the prices a ton, especially if the Cubs are on a winning streak. Unlike other parks, there is really no bad seat at Wrigley Field, so you will always have a chance to watch the game or the other fans.

Getting to Wrigley Field is easy enough. I would suggest taking public transportation; just jump on the Red Line "L" and get off at Addison. You are able to see the field from the platform, so you can’t get too lost, or you could always just follow the crowds in red-and-blue apparel. There is parking but not a lot, and you will pay anywhere from $10 to $30 for parking spaces. Once again, these prices go up depending on how the Cubs do.

Once inside the stadium, make sure that you check out the buildings across the street. These are some of the best places to watch a Cubs game in Chicago. These are rooftops that are rented out on game days, usually to companies, and are fully catered. If you have a chance watch a Cubs game from these rooftops, they are arguably the best view and a unique experience.

There is tons of traditional baseball food in Chicago, and the prices reflect the fact that you are in Chicago. If you don’t feel like playing the game-day prices, I would suggest you check out some of the many restaurants located around the ballpark. In addition, if you are looking for Cubs apparel, look into a few of the shops. The prices may very well be better than the hawkers out on the street.

Wrigley Field is the host to America’s most lovable losers when it comes to baseball. In addition, there is the feeling of old-time baseball that adds to the feeling of the ballpark. Not much has changed here since 1932, when Babe Ruth called his shot (a moment in baseball history).

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