Wrigley Field, the words prelude to the history of one ball park both up and down. The names of Dawson, Maddux, Sosa, among others are there. However, so were moments of sadness. Those include 2003 with Steve Bartman (hopefully 2016 has made it easier on the poor guy) and pretty much the duration of the 90's. Included in that is the 108 year curse that was finally lifted in 2016 by Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and others. However, amidst the ups and downs of all the Cubs history, I got to see Wrigley Field up close on April 8, their home opener against Pittsburgh. On the day, they won 10-0, but the ballpark and the residing area were more than just that. Below is what I think of the park from top to bottom.
Upon getting to Chicago to Wrigley, let's say the best way to get there is public transport by either bus or train. It's quick and efficient to get there that way. You'll be there within an hour and a half and it is a TON better than just trying to drive there. Also there legit is no parking around the stadium that I saw. I could be wrong with the idea of parking garages, but I found it massively much more easy to get the CTA pass for the day (10 dollars, so you pay nearly as much in tolls from WI to IL as you do for a full day pass on trains and buses) and use the train to see the city then the Cubs.
Wrigley itself is.. well old. It was completed in 1914, so it's 105 years standing and going. This is the part where it leads to the downsides of the ball park. It's age is significant because it started as a small ballpark, then made a lot, lot bigger in a small space. The seating capacity is north of 42,000 and it shows with the cramped style. If you are a bigger built person like myself, then I would highly recommend going on a day that you can walk around and sit more freely than just in a squished way. It's also got very long concessions and bathroom lines due to the lack of numerous amenities. Same for the merchandise shop. It's crowded because of Wrigley's compact ways. Also, if you don't like obstructions or visual blocks, then you wouldn't be too fond of the obstructions around the park in areas. As for the concessions itself, some are pricey and some are moderately on level with other major league parks. Most notable feature is probably their Chicago Dog and the deep dish pizza. I've had deep dish pizza in Chicago so I won't go into the long story but the Chicago Dog is a cased hot dog with loads of different condiments and items. If you like to stuff your face with different foods, I'd look at this and pay the higher price for the Chicago cuisine. Personally, I wouldn't pay 11 dollars for the dog, or the alcohol that is attributed to this park, but if you want to, go to it! However, there's another aspect of Wrigley that you may enjoy.
The historical aspect of Wrigley makes it worthwhile in a lot of ways. The city ballpark, the apartments across the street with seating, the ivy walls, the scoreboards. All of it is worthwhile. The downsides with this antique (I honest to God mean that in a good way to Wrigley, it's like an old Gibson guitar that is refurbished and done correctly) ball park are noted, but the good sides are immense as well. The cuisine in the park, the Chicago selective food is a major plus for me. Also, the vast amount of stuff in the gift shop. Yes I got a Cubs hat which was much to the chagrin of the Brewers fans I follow (if you hadn't noticed, I buy hats from every new place I go) who thought I was crazy or a Cubs fan. Also, outside the stadium is really awesome. They have different shops, bars and such that make it really a nice stadium district around Wrigley. Plus they are continuously trying to improve Wrigley Field and that is something that deserves a lot to be commended.
The atmosphere is electric at Wrigley. Fans are very much into the game. I commend the Cubs fans on this a lot. As a guy who frequents Miller Park, I always chide on the fans for not being in the game and not really energetic. This has been that way since 2008. I just don't feel the same energy now as then. However, Cubs fans are always into the game even when the scoreline is 10-0. They do talk and different things, but they are ultra focused on the game. They are energetic from the first inning on and I absolutely love that sort of energetic atmosphere at a ball park. Other fans would do well to emulate Cubs fans on being able to get as energetic as them.
In final, I think Wrigley Field is a must visit for a bucket list item. The only major league park now of the surrounding states I have not been to is Comerica Park (bordering states of Wisconsin) but in terms of where I would put Wrigley Field in terms of best ball parks I have visited that are current (STL, Milwaukee, Cincy, both Chicago's, Minnesota) I would put this probably 5th of them. I like Busch Stadium more and you cannot beat Cincy or Minnesota's stadiums as they are top notch in every facet. I think Miller Park is slightly above Wrigley, but the main reason is available amenities now, restrooms and so forth. If this were pre-2018 Miller Park, then Wrigley is ahead of them. As far as history though, Wrigley is number one on this list. You get the history from the start and it stays with you. That's my thoughts on Wrigley, what are your thoughts and memories?
