Wrigley Field | Chicago

Wrigley Field is one of the most iconic and historically rich stadiums in American sports. It has been the beloved home of the Chicago Cubs since 1916 and holds a special place in both the baseball world and the cultural fabric of Chicago. Here's an in-depth look at everything you need to know:

GENERAL OVERVIEW

Location: 1060 West Addison Street, Chicago, Illinois.

Neighborhood: Wrigleyville, a lively district filled with bars, restaurants, souvenir shops, and apartment rooftops with stadium views.

Opened: April 23, 1914 (originally as Weeghman Park).

Renamed: Became Cubs Park in 1920 and Wrigley Field in 1926, named after chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr..

Historic Status: Named a National Historic Landmark in 2020 — one of only two MLB ballparks to hold that title.

ARCHITECTURAL & DESIGN FEATURES

1. Manual Scoreboard

Installed in 1937 and still hand-operated.

Situated above the center field bleachers.

It remains a working symbol of the park’s vintage charm.

2. Ivy-Covered Outfield Walls

Introduced in 1937 by then-Cubs President Bill Veeck.

Unique among MLB stadiums.

Ivy is a blend of Boston and Japanese Bittersweet varieties.

Rules: If the ball gets lost in the ivy, it's an automatic ground rule double.

3. Red Marquee Sign

A famous red marquee over the main entrance at Clark and Addison reads “Wrigley Field Home of Chicago Cubs.”

Added in the 1930s, it's a popular photo spot.

4. Rooftop Bleachers

Adjacent residential buildings offer rooftop seating with views into the stadium.

Once informal fan spaces, they are now regulated and part of the Cubs’ operations.

5. The Friendly Confines

A nickname that reflects the warm, communal spirit of the ballpark.

Coined by Cubs broadcaster Jack Brickhouse and popularized by Harry Caray.

NOTABLE HISTORICAL MOMENTS

Babe Ruth’s Called Shot (1932)

In Game 3 of the 1932 World Series, Ruth allegedly pointed to the center field stands before hitting a home run.

First Night Game (1988)

August 8, 1988: Wrigley Field hosted its first-ever night game, decades after lights were standard elsewhere.

The “Steve Bartman Incident” (2003)

A Cubs fan interfered with a foul ball during the NLCS against the Marlins.

The incident is blamed by many for a momentum shift that led to the Cubs’ loss and became symbolic of the team's long championship drought.

Breaking the Curse (2016)

The Cubs won their first World Series since 1908.

Though the final game took place in Cleveland, Wrigley Field was at the heart of the historic moment.

MODERN RENOVATIONS: THE 1060 PROJECT

From 2014 to 2019, the 1060 Project revitalized the stadium while preserving its charm:

Improvements Included:

Two Large Video Boards: Added in left and right field (first time ever at Wrigley).

Expanded Concourse Areas: For food, merchandise, and movement.

Upgraded Clubhouses: Modernized facilities for players and staff.

New Premium Seating Areas: Including the Catalina Club, the 1914 Club, and the W Club.

Gallagher Way: A public plaza just outside the stadium that hosts concerts, movies, markets, and fan events.

TOURS AND VISITING

Stadium Tours

Length: 75–90 minutes.

Includes:

Clubhouses

Press box

Dugout

Field access

Bleachers

Ivy (seasonal)

Scoreboard views

Public and private options available.

Tickets range from $30+, kids under 2 are free.

Game Day Experience

Fans can bring in soft-sided coolers, snacks, and unopened water bottles.

Organ music by live organist.

The 7th-inning stretch features a guest singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”

ACCESS AND TRANSPORTATION

Public Transit

Red Line “Addison” stop is right next to the stadium.

Accessible via buses and the Brown and Purple Lines as well.

Parking

Limited and expensive near the stadium.

Cubs offer a free remote parking lot with a shuttle on game days.

Many fans prefer to use rideshare or public transportation.

SURROUNDINGS: WRIGLEYVILLE

Wrigleyville is packed with baseball-themed bars and entertainment venues:

Murphy’s Bleachers

Sluggers (batting cages + bar)

The Cubby Bear (live music venue)

Hotel Zachary: A boutique hotel facing the ballpark.

Gallagher Way: Often active with non-game events.

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

Wrigley Field is more than a sports venue. It's a living museum of baseball history, a cornerstone of Chicago’s identity, and a community gathering place. From the ivy on the walls to the songs in the seventh inning, Wrigley offers a uniquely nostalgic yet vibrant fan experience.

Whether you're a baseball fan or not, visiting Wrigley Field is widely regarded as a must when in Chicago.