Wrigley Field is a 110-year-old baseball stadium on Chicago's North Side that is home to the Chicago Cubs

Wrigley Field opened on April 23, 1914, as Weegham Park and is the second-oldest ballpark still in use in Major League Baseball. The Cubs have played there since 1916. The stadium sits at 1060 West Addison Street in the Wrigleyville neighborhood and holds roughly 41,000 people. It is known for its ivy-covered brick outfield wall, hand-operated scoreboard, and the rooftop bars that line the streets beyond the left and right field walls.

The ballpark underwent major renovation from 2014 to 2017, which added modern amenities like wider concourses, new seating, and improved facilities while keeping the original structure and character intact. The ivy on the outfield wall — planted in 1937 — remains one of the most recognizable features in baseball.

Key Takeaways

  • Wrigley Field has been home to the Chicago Cubs since 1916 and is the second-oldest continuously used ballpark in Major League Baseball.
  • The stadium's most distinctive features are the ivy-covered brick wall in the outfield, the hand-operated scoreboard, and the rooftop seating areas outside the park.
  • A major renovation from 2014 to 2017 modernized the facility while preserving the original architecture and historic character.
  • The neighborhood around Wrigley Field, called Wrigleyville, has numerous bars, restaurants, and shops within walking distance of the stadium.

The Stadium Layout and Seating

Wrigley Field is shaped like a traditional ballpark with the infield diamond in the center and outfield walls forming the perimeter. The left field wall, known as the Green Monster's smaller cousin, stands 10 feet 6 inches high and is covered entirely in ivy. The right field wall is 12 feet high. The scoreboard in left-center field is operated by hand — a person sits inside and changes the numbers and scores manually throughout the game.

Seating is divided into sections around the field. The upper deck runs along the entire stadium, while the lower bowl sits closer to the field. Bleacher seating occupies the outfield areas, particularly in left and right field. The bleacher seats are popular with fans and often sell out quickly for games against rival teams. Some sections have obstructed views due to the stadium's age and original design, so seat location matters when purchasing tickets.

The rooftop seating areas are not technically part of Wrigley Field itself — they sit on buildings across the street from the stadium. These rooftops have become a major part of the Cubs game-day experience, with bars and restaurants offering views of the field. Access to rooftop seating requires a separate ticket purchased through rooftop operators, not through the Cubs directly.

Getting to Wrigley Field and Parking

Wrigley Field is accessible by the Chicago "L" (elevated train system). The Red Line, Brown Line, and Purple Line all stop at the Addison station, which is one block south of the stadium. The walk from the station to the ballpark takes about five minutes. This is the most common way for fans to reach the stadium, especially for evening games when traffic is heavy.

Street parking in Wrigleyville is limited and often requires a residential permit. Several paid parking lots operate in the neighborhood, though prices vary by game and day of the week. Some lots charge flat rates while others use dynamic pricing that increases for high-demand games. Parking can cost anywhere from $10 to $40 depending on location and demand. Many fans choose to use rideshare services or public transit to avoid parking hassles.

Bike racks are available near the stadium for fans who cycle to games. The neighborhood is walkable, and many people park several blocks away and walk to the ballpark to save money.

The Ivy Wall and Historic Features

The ivy covering the left field wall was planted in 1937 by Cubs owner Philip Wrigley. The vines are Boston ivy and bittersweet, which grow year-round but are most lush and green during the summer baseball season. In fall and winter, the ivy turns red and brown. When a ball hits the ivy and disappears into it, the play is ruled a ground-rule double — the batter gets two bases automatically.

The hand-operated scoreboard is one of the last of its kind in Major League Baseball. A worker sits inside the scoreboard and manually updates the numbers for each inning and each team. The scoreboard displays the score, inning, hits, runs, and errors for both teams, along with scores from other games around the league. Fans can watch the scoreboard operator's silhouette through the scoreboard's window during games.

The bleachers in left and right field are where the most vocal fans typically sit. Tradition holds that fans in the bleachers will throw home run balls hit by opposing teams back onto the field — a practice that has been part of Wrigley culture for decades.

The Neighborhood and Game-Day Experience

Wrigleyville is a residential neighborhood that transforms on game days. Bars and restaurants line Addison Street and the surrounding blocks, filling with fans hours before first pitch. Some establishments open early and stay open late on game days. The neighborhood has a strong Cubs fan culture, with many buildings displaying Cubs flags and signage.

The rooftop bars across the street from the stadium are a unique feature of the Wrigley experience. These bars operate independently from the Cubs organization and sell their own tickets. A rooftop ticket typically includes food and drinks and costs more than a bleacher seat but less than premium field-level seating. The rooftops offer a social atmosphere and views of the game without being inside the stadium.

Game-day crowds can be substantial, especially for weekend games or matchups against rival teams like the St. Louis Cardinals or Milwaukee Brewers. The neighborhood becomes crowded several hours before game time, and traffic and parking become difficult. Many fans arrive early to explore the neighborhood, eat, and soak in the atmosphere before heading into the stadium.

Renovations and Modern Upgrades

The 2014–2017 renovation project modernized Wrigley Field while preserving its historic character. The project added new concourses, wider hallways, additional restrooms, and improved concession areas. New seating was installed in some sections, and the upper deck was expanded. A new video board was added in right field, though it was designed to fit the stadium's aesthetic.

The renovation also improved accessibility for fans with disabilities, adding elevators, accessible seating, and updated facilities. Climate control was added to some areas, and the overall infrastructure was upgraded to meet modern standards. Despite these changes, the original facade, the ivy wall, and the hand-operated scoreboard remain unchanged.

The Cubs organization has stated that future upgrades will continue to balance modern amenities with the preservation of the ballpark's historic identity. The goal has been to make the stadium more comfortable for fans while keeping what makes Wrigley Field distinctive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own food and drinks into Wrigley Field?

Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside Wrigley Field. However, the stadium allows fans to bring empty water bottles that can be filled at water fountains inside the park. Concessions are available throughout the stadium, though prices are higher than outside vendors.

What is the best time to visit Wrigley Field if I want a less crowded experience?

Weekday games, especially afternoon games during the week, tend to draw smaller crowds than weekend games. Games against non-rival teams also attract fewer fans than matchups against the Cardinals or Brewers. Day games typically have lighter crowds than night games.

Do I need a ticket to see the outside of Wrigley Field and take photos?

No, you can walk around the outside of the stadium and take photos without a ticket. The exterior, including the ivy wall and the iconic marquee, is visible from the street. Many fans visit Wrigley Field just to see the building and take pictures, even if they are not attending a game.

Are there tours of Wrigley Field on non-game days?

Yes, the Cubs offer stadium tours on select days when the team is not playing at home. Tours typically include access to the field, the bleachers, and some interior areas. Tour availability and pricing vary by season, so check the Cubs website for current information.

What should I know about the rooftop seating areas?

Rooftop tickets are sold separately from stadium tickets and are not part of the Cubs' official ticketing system. Each rooftop bar operates independently and sets its own prices, which typically range from $50 to $200 or more depending on the game. Rooftop tickets usually include food and drinks, and the atmosphere is more social than inside the stadium.