Review by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Founder
Since 1914, Wrigley Field has been helping to create memories for agonizing Cubs fans. When the ivy covers the walls, there may be no more perfect atmosphere to watch baseball than the Friendly Confines.
What began as land owned by the Chicago Lutheran Theological Seminary, it has now become a sprawling neighborhood teeming with baseball energy. Wrigleyville, as the area has come to be known, is loaded with a myriad of bars and restaurants, as well as other entertainment options.
FANFARE Score: 30
Food & Beverage: 3
In a city rich with culinary delights, Wrigley Field fails to deliver, especially on Chicago classics that one may expect. No Chicago-style pizza, and sausages which are good but not great, are mixed with typical ballpark fare. Perhaps the best value is the Italian beef for $7, loaded with onions, peppers, and sauer kraut.
The most difficult choice to make is which macro-brewed beverage to drink during the game. You can either go for Harry Caray’s favorite, Budweiser, or the Chicago tradition, Old Style (although it’s brewed in Milwaukee). I personally always opt for Old Style, as a slightly more local choice.
Italian Beef at Wrigley Field
Atmosphere: 5
The history engulfs you immediately when you enter Wrigley. Although this stadium has never seen a World Series victory, it is the home to many legends and tales. From Babe Ruth’s called shot, to a goat named Murphy, to the Steve Bartman incident from the 2003 NLCS, this venue has seen its share of memorable events.
The retired numbers of Ron Santo (#10), Ernie Banks (#14), Ryne Sandberg (#23), Billy Williams (#26), and Fergie Jenkins and Greg Maddux (#31 retired in honor of both pitching greats) hang from the foul poles.
Retired Numbers atop Left Field Foul Pole at Wrigley
The ivy, the giant hand-operated scoreboard, and the unparalleled rendition of the seventh inning stretch all make for an absolutely unique experience, and one of the few stadiums that should be on every sports fans must see list.
Wrigley Field Scoreboard
Neighborhood: 5
There is no doubt that the experience of attending a Cubs game begins long before you present your ticket at the gate. You could literally own season tickets and try a new bar or restaurant each game without leaving a half mile radius.
With a mix of hole in the wall bars and iconic giants, there’s plenty to choose from. If you want to get in the Cubs spirit right from the get-go, then try Harry Caray’s Tavern. Great burgers and plenty of space with more to look at than you’ll be able to take in with just one visit. It’s also a great place to go with people who are boring. No matter where you look, there is a flat screen tv to keep your mind on baseball. I wish they offered more local beers, but this is a great place to get started.
If you want a smaller watering hole with less competition to get a drink, then try The Gingerman Tavern at 3740 N. Clark. There’s a great beer selection, pool tables in the back, and is a less hectic, no frills way to begin or end your evening.
The Gingerman Tavern- Wrigleyville
Fans: 4
Cubs fans get a bad rap when it comes to their baseball intelligence. Like any stadium, there is the occasional idiot, and plenty of yuppies spending the entire game yakking on their cell phone, as whole, Cubs fans are brought together by their suffering, and I believe they are above average in their knowledge and awareness.
Wrigley is also the place where the tradition of keeping foul balls, and throwing back opponents’ home run balls, began. Additionally, singing the seventh inning stretch at Wrigley is really what it’s all about. It will never be the same anywhere else.
Seventh Inning Stretch at Wrigley Field
Access: 3
Wrigley has decent parking as long as you’re willing to look at parking in a new way. There’s no doubt that trying to park near Wrigley is expensive, crowded, and often difficult to exit. The best way to get to Wrigley is via train. Park within a block or two of one of the many L stops. The red line puts you closest to the stadium, and I would recommend parking just west of the Lawrence stop for easiest way in. To avoid the crowds getting out, you may considering taking the brown line to the Southport stop. It’s just over a half mile walk to Wrigley from there. Park your car just north of the Irving Park brown line stop.
The bathroom situation is all about anticipation. There are too few bathrooms and they are all cramped. Be ready for a pitching change when that manager comes out of the dugout, or anticipate the third out. Getting a quick start, and ahead of the line is the key to missing only outs instead of innings.
Return on Investment: 5
Look, the Cubs have certainly capitalized on the team’s success since 1998, with ticket prices being raised at an alarming rate. The bleachers were once the cheap seats, but not anymore- they’ve become a very expensive fraternity party. That being said, the Wrigley Field experience is well worth the price of admission, and food and beverage prices could be much worse.
Extra Points: 5
Make sure you make at least one lap around the stadium before you head inside. Pause and/or pose at the statues of Harry Caray and Ernie Banks. Stop on Waveland avenue, especially if you’re early enough to possibly catch a batting practice home run. Mostly, just take your time because there is so much to see and experience.
Harry Caray Statue
Final Thoughts:
If I had never been to a stadium, and had to start my lifetime journey, I would make Wrigley Field stop number one. It has its flaws, but almost everything worth loving does. Get yourself within the Friendly Confines.
