Wrigley Field is the second-oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball, home to the Chicago Cubs since 1914
Wrigley Field opened on April 20, 1914, as Weegham Park and has operated continuously at the same location on the North Shore of Chicago ever since. Only Fenway Park in Boston (1912) is older. The ballpark sits at 1060 West Addison Street in the Wrigleyville neighborhood, a residential area about four miles north of downtown Chicago, and holds 41,649 people.
The Cubs moved into the ballpark in 1916 and it was renamed Wrigley Field in 1926 after William Wrigley Jr., the chewing gum magnate who owned the team. The field is famous for its ivy-covered brick outfield wall, hand-operated scoreboard, and the rooftop bleachers built on buildings directly across the street from the ballpark. Unlike most modern stadiums, Wrigley Field has no roof, making weather a real factor in how games play out.
Key Takeaways
- Wrigley Field is located in a residential neighborhood accessible by the Red Line train, which stops two blocks away at the Addison station.
- The ballpark has bleacher seating in the outfield and on rooftops across the street, which are separate from the main stadium and operated by different companies.
- Day games are common at Wrigley Field — the Cubs did not install lights until 1988 — so check the schedule before planning your visit.
- Street parking near Wrigley Field is limited and fills quickly on game days; nearby parking lots and garages charge fees that vary by location and event.
- The ivy wall in left and center field is real and affects how balls are played; balls that disappear into the ivy are ruled a ground-rule double.
Getting to Wrigley Field by Public Transit
The Chicago 'L' Red Line stops at the Addison station, about two blocks south of the ballpark. This is the most direct route from downtown Chicago and from O'Hare International Airport. The Red Line runs 24 hours, and during game days the CTA adds extra trains to handle the crowd leaving after the game.
From the Addison station, walk north on the street toward the ballpark. You will see the scoreboard and the rooftop bleachers as you approach. The walk takes about five minutes. If you are coming from the Loop or from the North Shore, the Red Line is faster and more reliable than driving, especially on weekends when parking is scarce.
Parking Near Wrigley Field
Street parking exists in the neighborhoods around Wrigley Field, but spaces fill within an hour of first pitch on game days. Parking is free on the street but you must follow posted time limits and residential permit rules, which vary by block. Many residents in Wrigleyville have permits that allow them to park longer, so do not assume a space is open to you just because it looks empty.
Paid parking lots and garages operate within a few blocks of the ballpark. Prices range from roughly $10 to $30 depending on the lot, the day of the week, and how close the lot is to the stadium. Some lots require you to prepay online; others take cash at the gate. Arrive at least 90 minutes before first pitch if you plan to park on the street, or 45 minutes if you are using a paid lot.
Seating and Bleacher Options
Wrigley Field has three distinct seating areas: the main stadium bowl, the bleachers in the outfield, and the rooftop bleachers across the street. The main stadium has reserved seats, field-level seats, and upper-deck seats. Prices vary by game, opponent, and how far in advance you buy. Weekend games and games against the St. Louis Cardinals or Milwaukee Brewers (division rivals) are more expensive than weekday games against teams from the other league.
The bleachers in left and center field are general admission and are known for a younger, louder crowd. Rooftop bleachers are located on buildings directly across Waveland Avenue and Sheffield Avenue from the ballpark. These are not part of Wrigley Field itself — they are operated by separate companies that own the buildings. Rooftop tickets are usually more expensive than bleacher seats and often include food and drinks. You can buy rooftop tickets directly from the rooftop operators' websites or through the Cubs' website.
The Ivy Wall and Ground-Rule Doubles
The ivy covering the outfield wall is real Boston ivy planted in 1937. Balls hit into the ivy are ruled a ground-rule double, meaning the batter gets two bases and all runners advance two bases, regardless of where the ball lands. This rule exists because once a ball disappears into the ivy, it is difficult or impossible for the outfielder to retrieve it quickly.
The ivy affects how the Cubs play defense and how opposing teams approach hitting. Left-handed batters sometimes try to pull the ball into the ivy in left field. Outfielders have to be careful not to crash into the wall while chasing fly balls. If you sit in the bleachers, you may see a ball disappear into the ivy and watch the umpire make the ground-rule double call in real time.
The Hand-Operated Scoreboard
The scoreboard in left-center field is operated by hand. Workers stand behind the board and change the numbers and letters as each inning ends and as scores from other games come in. The scoreboard shows the score of the current game, the inning, the number of hits and errors, and the scores of other Major League games being played that day. It is one of the last hand-operated scoreboards in baseball.
The scoreboard is a working part of the ballpark and is visible from the bleachers and from the street. On a clear day, you can read the scores from the bleachers or from outside the ballpark. The scoreboard operators have become minor celebrities among Cubs fans, and their work is part of the ballpark's identity.
Day Games and Weather
Wrigley Field hosts more day games than any other ballpark in baseball. The Cubs did not install lights until August 8, 1988, and even after that, Major League Baseball limited the number of night games the Cubs could play at home. This means many Cubs games start at 1:20 p.m. or 2:20 p.m., which affects your work schedule and the heat you will experience in the stands.
Because Wrigley Field has no roof, weather is a real factor. Summer games can be hot and sunny, especially in the bleachers where there is no shade. Bring sunscreen and a hat. Games in April and September can be cold, especially in the upper deck. Rain can delay or postpone games. Check the weather forecast and the game time before you go, and bring a light jacket even in summer because the temperature can drop once the sun sets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own food and drinks into Wrigley Field?
Outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the ballpark. You can bring an empty water bottle and fill it at fountains inside the stadium. Food and drinks sold inside Wrigley Field are more expensive than outside the ballpark, so budget accordingly.
What is the best way to get rooftop bleacher tickets?
Rooftop tickets are sold by the rooftop operators, not by the Cubs. The major rooftop companies include Wrigleyville Rooftops, Skybox on Sheffield, and Friendly Confines. You can buy directly from their websites or through resale sites like StubHub. Rooftop tickets often sell out before Cubs tickets do, especially for popular games.
Is there a bag policy at Wrigley Field?
Wrigley Field allows one bag per person, and the bag must be no larger than 16 inches by 16 inches by 8 inches. Backpacks, purses, and small coolers that fit this size are permitted. Clear bags are not required but can make security screening faster.
What time should I arrive before a game?
Arrive at least 90 minutes before first pitch if you are driving and parking on the street, or 60 minutes if you are using public transit or a paid lot. Gates open 90 minutes before game time, and arriving early gives you time to find your seat, buy food, and watch batting practice.
Can I watch a game from outside Wrigley Field?
You cannot see the field from the street, but you can hear the crowd and the announcer. Some fans gather on the streets around the ballpark on game days. The rooftop bleachers across the street offer a view of the field and are the only way to watch a game from outside the main stadium.