To kick off this blog I'm going to start with the first MLB venue I've ever been to - Wrigley Field in Chicago Illinois. I first went to Wrigley as a high schooler on a family road trip, then as a college grad on a rebel road trip, and now, living in Chicago, it's been a spring/summer/early fall staple.
Want to know how to get the full FANHOOD Wrigley Field/Chicago Cubs experience? A one, a two, a three...
- Get your tickets early. They sell out fast. You can always find them, but at a price. If you're alone, you can always find singles the night before online or even the day of at the park. Be aware of limited view seats - you may very well find yourself straddling a beam.
- Sit in the bleachers at least once (I have yet to do this myself) but ONLY if you don't have children with you, don't mind cursing, and don't mind a beer shower. The rowdiest fans sit in the bleachers, I hear it's an experience. Keep in mind, if the away team hits a home run and you just happen to catch it, THROW IT BACK! THROW IT BACK! You will be harassed if you don't.
- Sit on a rooftop at least once (I have yet to do this myself as well) but I'm certain it's an experience. Many come with an all you can eat and drink package. You can also escape inside to soak up some AC on a hot Midwest summer day.
- Please wear Cubs gear - royal blue, white, red. If you're lacking, hit up Strange Cargo on Clark St. for a variety of vintage Cubs T's.
- Learn some of the Cubs history. Please don't ask a Cubs fan "when did you last win the World Series?" This may leave you with a black eye. In 1945 they kicked a goat out of the park and have been cursed ever since.
- Hop on the Red Line to the Addison stop. A trip to Chicago isn't complete without a ride on The El. Visit http://www.transitchicago.com/ for CTA information.
- Head to Wrigleyville early, like 3-4 hours early. The bars that line Clark and Sheffield fill up fast. If there's drinking involved (which there so often is) you'll want to get a good base before hitting the park. If it's an early game, check out Salt & Pepper Diner. Yes, the diner serves beer.
- When in Chicago, you MUST drink Chicago beer. BUT, you want to start off with something good before grabbing that Old Style. Check out Goose Island on Clark St. for their staple 312 or my personal favorite Honkers Ale.
- Murphy's Bleachers on Sheffield and Waveland is a great place either before or after the game. It'll be packed but it's a good crowd.
- Get your picture taken with Ronnie Woo Woo - he's always wandering around outside of Wrigley in a full pinstriped Cubs uniform. It says Woo Woo on the back.
- Get your picture taken with Harry Caray - his statue anyway. Harry was the broadcaster for the Cubs for many years, he famously sang "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" during the 7th inning stretch. To this day that is still one of my top 10 favorite songs.
- Take your picture under the infamous Wrigley Field marquee. Do it quickly or you'll be swept away by the crowd attempting to get into the stadium.
- Bring a bottle of water. I recommend this at ANY sporting event. They let you take in one unopened bottle of water per person - if it's hot or if you're boozing, trust me, you'll need it.
- As soon as you enter, grab a program. If you are a serious baseball fan, you'll keep score.
- Grab an Old Style. A big one. Old Style is Chicago's beer and is a must at a Cubs game.
- No baseball game is complete without peanuts. Throw those shells right on the floor.
- Baseball = hot dogs. Chicago = Chicago dogs. Get one. A steamed bun with poppy seed, a Vienna Beef dog, a pickle, tomato, relish, onions, mustard, hot peppers and celery salt. Do NOT ask for ketchup.
- When you arrive at your seat (preferably before the game has started) take some time to enjoy where you are. Feel the history of the venue. Feel the energy in the ivy. Look at all the rooftops. Just take it in. This is where Babe Ruth hit is famous called shot you know.
- Always practice baseball game etiquette.
- Men - the stadium is old. You will urinate in a troth with many drunken fans. Get over it. Remember to wash your hands.
- Look for the guy changing the score. It's all done by hand. Occasionally you can catch them peeking out of one of the holes.
- Learn "Take Me Out to the Ball Game". This is sung at Wrigley every 7th inning stretch.
- Learn "Go Cubs Go". This is played after the game ONLY if the Cubs win.
- Be aware that after the Cubs win, fans and businesses will display their white and blue "W" flag's proudly. No, this does not stand for your former president, this stands for WIN!!!
- Whew, the game is over. Time to celebrate the W. Stroll around the stadium, listen to the bucket drummers, a Chicago staple, and throw them a couple bucks.
- Want to see the players rides? Walk around to gate K and watch the players roll out. Unfortunately, I couldn't get a good shot, but I did see Carlos Marmol post shower!
- Dogs hurt from a rowdy game? Don't walk, ride in a pedi-cab!
- Take your pick at any of the local establishments - all will be full of people - many 3 sheets to the wind. If you are a tourist, you're bound to meet some locals but most likely, many will be tourists just like you.
Most importantly, have fun. I hope this helps you have an amazing Wrigley Field experience! Feel free to add your own "must do's" in the comments section.
Missed a home game? No worries, tours of Wrigely Field are available!
Too funny... Wrigley was my first baseball game as well. It was 1969or 70 and I was in 3rd or 4th grade when we lived outside Chicago. I was just learning about baseball and the Cubs were on TV every day, so I was a Cubs fan. (I eventually straightened out into a proper Pirates fan, but I'll always have a soft spot for the Cubs.
ReplyDeleteWe sat in the bleachers and saw Roberto and Manny take on the Cubbies. I will never forget walking into the seating area from the concourse and seeing all that green. Having only a black & white TV probably made it that much more striking.