The Ultimate Fan Guide to Wrigley Field (2024)

Every hidden nook, cranny, and secluded vista at the Chicago Cubs ballpark. By the fans, for the fans. (Updated for 2024!)

Whether you're a casual fan visiting the Friendly Confines for the first time and looking for tips, or even if you're a diehard local who wants to make sure they're getting the most out of their experience at the Federal Landmark, we've got you covered.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the Wrigley Field experience but should you have additional recommendations or suggestions, please use the comment fields found below this article. Enjoy and have a great time at the ballpark!

Table of Contents (click to jump to section)

• Wrigley Field Facts and Specs
• Best Seats at Wrigley Field
• Best Food at Wrigley Field
• Fan Favorites at Wrigley Field
• Wrigley Field Fan FAQs

Wrigley Field At A Glance

• Address: 1060 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60613
• Opened: April 23rd, 1914
  • Originally opened as Weeghman Park for the Chicago Federals of the Federal League
  • Was renamed “Cubs Park” in 1920 once the Wrigley family bought the team from Charles Weeghman
  • Finally, in 1926, the stadium earned its century-long moniker of “Wrigley Field”, named after William Wrigley Jr., the owner of the Cubs at the time
  • It is the second oldest ballpark in baseball, behind only Fenway Park of the Boston Red Sox (opened in 1912)
• Capacity: 41,649
• Dimensions (distances from home plate as of 2023):
  • LF: 355 feet
  • LCF: 368 feet
  • CF: 400 feet
  • RCF: 368 feet
  • RF: 353 feet
• Wall Height: 11.5ft (bleachers) ; 15ft (corners/foul poles)

Parking & Public Transit Around Wrigley Field

Whether you plan on driving to the stadium or taking public transportation, all of your available options are below. If you'd like to see a blown-up version of the surrounding area map, scroll down for an interactive map.

Parking
First thing's first with parking: you can (and should) reserve a parking spot if you know you're going to a game in advance. You can do so here with the Cubs' SpotHero partnership, which ensures affordable and available parking for all Wrigley Field events.

If you can't get a spot with SpotHero (or if your gameday venture is more of the last-minute variety), you have other options. The Cubs offer free remote parking at 3900 N. Rockwell St., just east of the Chicago River and accessed from Irving Park Road. The Cubs' Remote Parking Lot is available for night and weekend games and includes a free shuttle service to and from Wrigley Field. Services begin two hours before first pitch, and returning shuttles board post-game and run approximately one hour after the end of the game. Note that the free shuttle service drops and picks up fans on Irving Park Road between Clark Street and Seminary Avenue.

There are also three other lots supported by the Cubs during game days:

• Toyota Camry Lot: Season Parking Holders, Game Day.
  • 1126 W. Grace St. Chicago, IL 60613
• Toyota RAV4 Lot: Season Parking Holders.
  • 1140 W. Eddy St. Chicago, IL 60613
• Irving Park Lot: Season Parking Holders, Combo, Game Day.
  • 1052 Irving Park Rd. Chicago, IL 60613

Public Transit
Wrigley Field can be accessed by any of the major transportation hubs in Chicago.

• LaSalle St. Station - CTA: Exit station on Van Buren. Take the elevated brown line at LaSalle/Van Buren north to Fullerton. Transfer to the red line north to Addison.
• Midway Airport - CTA: Take the eastbound train on the "Orange" rapid transit line to the Lake/State stop. Walk down the stairs to the State Street subway entrance and get on the northbound Howard/Dan Ryan "Red" line. Take this to the Addison Street stop. Walk one block west on Addison and you're at Wrigley Field.
• Ogilvie Transportation Center: Exit onto Washington. Take No. 20 or No. 56 Milwaukee east to State and Washington. Head down stairs to the red line. Take the northbound train to Addison.
• O'Hare Airport - CTA: Take the "Blue" rapid transit line to the Addison Street stop. Transfer to the CTA No. 152 eastbound bus, which lets off at the ballpark.
• Union Station - CTA: Take the CTA No. 1 Indiana/Hyde Park bus or the No. 151 Sheridan bus to the Jackson/State subway station. Transfer to the Howard/Dan Ryan "Red" rapid transit line northbound to the Addison Street stop, which lets out one block east of the ballpark.

Note that there are also rideshare options (e.g., Uber, Lyft, etc.) and accessibility for bikers. All of that information can be accessed here.

Best Seats & Gates To Use at Wrigley Field

Below is an image that showcases the seating map and entrance and exit gates for Wrigley Field.

Gate Names and Locations

• Marquee Gate, formerly known as Gate F, is located at the intersection of Addison and Clark streets.
• Gallagher Way Gate, formerly known as Gate H, is located on Clark Street on the western side of the ballpark.
• Horizon Left Field Gate, formerly known as Gate K, is located on Waveland Avenue on the northwest side of the ballpark.
• Budweiser Bleacher Gate is located at the intersection of Sheffield and Waveland avenues.
• Wintrust Right Field Gate, formerly known as Gate D, is located on Addison Street on the southeast side of the ballpark.
• C.D. Peaco*ck Premier Entrance is located on Clark Street on the western side of the ballpark.

Seating Options
Time to talk about the fun stuff now: where to sit. Given the nature of its historic (but outdated) architecture, not every seat at Wrigley Field is as optimized for the gameday experience as you might find in a more modern ballpark like Camden Yards or PNC Park. However, that also means there are unique viewing experiences relative to other stadiums and sections of the ballpark that have their own culture (which we'll get to in a moment).

For an ever further in-depth look than what we'll discuss here, feel free to use SeatGeek's handy “View-from-Seat tool” to get an idea of your vantage point from every possible seat at Wrigley: SeatGeek Wrigley Field.

NOTE: The Chicago Cubs' dugout is on the third-base side. The visitors' dugout is on the first-base side. Also note that the only bathrooms in the stadium are on the ground level.

• Obstructed Views: Generally in the terrace reserved seats and the upper deck reserved seats, these sections often have giant steel beams or overhangs protruding and blocking some part of your peripheral vision. For some, it's not enough to ruin the experience, but it's definitely worth looking for a better seat if available.
• Wrigley Rooftops: If you have a group or event you want to hold while watching the Cubs live, this is the way to do it. You'll have a suite like experience with tons of food and drinks to share, though your view of the game day action won't be as intimate as a traditional seat. Note that you won't actually be inside the ballpark if you choose this option. You can see more here.
• The Bleachers: Obviously. If you've ever seen a home run highlight at Wrigley Field you know what the deal is. Home to the most loyal and die hard Cubs fans, the Bleachers is an experience you have to have at least once.
• Suites: As part of the 1060 Project (a renovation project undertaken by Cubs ownership to modernize the stadium and fan-going experience), the Cubs updated their suites. Now, the club sells suites for the entire season but you can buy suites for single games through SuiteHop here.
• Other Popular Options: Seats down the left and right field foul lines are always in high-demand, and you can never go wrong with tickets behind the plate (if you can stomach the hit to your wallet). A lot of fans swear by seats with a little more elevation in the upper levels, though your mileage will vary depending on the group you bring. Just be careful if you happen to sit in Aisle 4, Row 8, Seat 113.

Best Food at Wrigley Field

An ever-divisive topic, it has fallen upon me to gather up the opinions of millions of Cubs fans and Wrigley patrons to share the best concession options that the home of the Cubs has to offer. HUGE shout out to the fine folks at Eater Chicago who compiled a complete guide to Wrigley eating, available here.

Specialty Concessions

• Garrett Popcorn: Chicago's most famous popcorn is, of course, available at Wrigley Field. All of their flavors and options will be sold in several locations, mostly on the first level in the ballpark.
• Hot Doug's: 2014 was a difficult time for Chicagoans: that was the year Doug Sohn closed his restaurant, but its namesake and flavors can still be enjoyed in the bleachers of Wrigley. As Eater Chicago explains: “The menu offers a rotating selection of player-inspired sausage creations. Those who never had the opportunity to experience Hot Doug's in its glory days now have their chance. Just make sure to have a bleacher ticket first. Note: the sausages are Vienna Beef products, which differ from Sohn's Avondale stand. [It is available in] Bleacher Platform 14.”
• North Side Twist Pretzel: Arguably the most popular item in all of Wrigley, this two pound pretzel with three dips (chipotle honey mustard, beer cheddar cheese and cinnamon frosting) is made for sharing. It's a bit on the pricier side (~$16), but it's an appetizer, meal, and dessert all in one. It can be found at the Blue W concession stand between section 122-125 on the main concourse.
• Vienna Beef: The official hot dog of Wrigley Field. Need I say more? Vienna sausages are the perfect canvas for the famous Chicago-style dog (normally a complex affair with mustard, relish, chopped raw onion, sliced tomato, a kosher pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt), and there's a reason the lines at each concession stand are so long. The locations change over time, but an up-to-date list is kept by Vienna Beef themselves here.

Classic Options
Looking just for classic ballpark food? Here is every location you can get each.

• Cheeseburger: Third Base Classics, Aisle 110; Marquee Classics, Aisle117; First Base Classics, Aisle 123; Upper Deck Classics, Aisles 309 and 324
• Chicken Tenders Basket with Fries: Left Field Classics, Aisle 105; Third Base Classics, Aisle 110; Marquee Classics, Aisle 117; First Base Classics, Aisle 123; Right Field Classics, Aisle 128; Sheffield Corner, Aisle 134; Upper Deck Classics, Aisles 309 and 324; Waveland Grill, Lower Bleachers
• Cubs Kids Meal: Left Field Classics, Aisle 105; Right Field Classics, Aisle 128; Upper Deck Classics, Aisles 309 and 324
• Hot Dog: Italian Grill, Lower Bleachers; Waveland Grill, Lower Bleachers; Red Line Grill, Lower Bleachers; Bleacher Bums, Upper Bleachers; Pizza Stands, Aisles 103 and 129; Left Field Classics, Aisle 105; Third Base Classics, Aisle 110; Clark Street Grill, Aisle 112; Marquee Classics, Aisle 117; First Base Classics, Aisle 123; Addison Street Grill, Aisle 126; Right Field Classics, Aisle 128; Upper Deck Classics, Aisles 309 and 324; Portables, Aisles 212, 218, 307, and 327
• Nachos: Left Field Classics, Aisle 105; Third Base Classics, Aisle 110; Chicago Dog, Aisles 108, 115, and 119; Marquee Classics, Aisle 117; First Base Classics, Aisle 123; Right Field Classics, Aisle 128; Vienna Beef Grill, Aisle 131; Upper Deck Nacho Portables, Aisles 307 and 327; Upper Deck Classics, Aisles 309 and 324; Bleacher Bums, Upper Bleachers; Red Line Grill, Lower Bleachers

Dietary Restrictions
Dietary restrictions are becoming more commonplace here in 2023, and the Cubs and Wrigley Field have assembled a fine assortment of options for those who have specific guidelines to follow with their eating habits.

• Gluten Free Options: Hot Dogs (Marquee Classics in Section 117, Left Field Classics in Section 105, Third Base Classics 110, First Base Classics 123, Right Field Classics 128, Upper Deck Classics in Sections 309 and 324 and Bleacher Bums in the Upper Bleachers) ; Hamburger (Marquee Classics in Section 117, Third Base Classics 110, First Base Classics 123, Upper Deck Classics in Sections 309 and 324) ; Chicken Caesar Salad Pizza (Left Field Classics in Section 103 and Right Field Classics in Section 129), Grab N Go Portable (Section 218)
• Kosher Options: Kosher Cart, Aisle 217
• Vegan Options: Beyond Burger w/o Mayo or Bun (Third Base Classics in Section 110, First Base Classics in Section 123, Upper Deck Classics 309/324, Red Line Grill in the Lower Bleachers)
• Vegetarian Options: Veggie Dog (Chicago Dogs in Sections 108, 115, 119, Bleacher Platform 14, Upper Deck portables 311/323)

NOTE: Guests with dietary restrictions are welcome to bring food prepared at home into the ballpark in clear bags or containers. The club also offers a variety of food options at Wrigley Field - for the most up-to-date list of all food and beverage choices and locations, visit the Concessions Guide in the MLB Ballpark app. You can also contact a Wrigley Field associate or contact Fan Services by utilizing the “Ask Fan Services” feature within the MLB Ballpark app, calling 800-THE-CUBS or emailing fanservices@cubs.com for further information.

Best Bars & Drinks at Wrigley Field

Wrigley Field Bars
Wrigley Field has a number of bar options, though you may actually be better served going to one of many of the most popular spots in the surrounding Wrigleyville area.

• Murphy's Bleachers: One of the most popular sports bars in all of America, Murphy's is a local staple. Even if just as a pregame venture, this bar is worth the visit.
• The Dugout: A rooftop view of Wrigley Field that opens four hours before gametime. There's not much else that needs to be said.
• Rizzo's Bar and Inn: Though not linked to former Cub Anthony Rizzo, this is the most recently opened establishment on this list. It's directly across the street from Wrigley Field and is particularly popular during the Cubs' day games.
• Lucky Dorr: Also directly across from Wrigley, Lucky Dorr has a myriad of brews that are collaborations with local breweries and pubs.
• Nisei Lounge: Wrigleyville's oldest standing bar. It's become a staple of longtime Wrigley patrons and serves as an awesome entertainment center both during and after games.

If you're just looking for the regular stuff while in the stadium, below is a list of some of the most popular beers and where to find them inside Wrigley Field (once again, courtesy of Eater Chicago).

• Bud Light: Left Field Classics, Aisle 105; Chicago Dogs Left Field, Aisle 108; Chicago Dogs Third Base, Aisle 115; Chicago Dogs Right Field, Aisle 119; Addison Street Grill, Aisle 126; Pizza Right Field, Aisle 129; Sheffield Corner, Aisle 134; Upper Deck Classics, Aisles 309 and 324; Bleacher Bums, Upper Bleachers; Upper Deck Bars, Aisles 313 and 320; Retro Beer Cave, Aisle 512; Three Fingers, Aisles 514 and 515; Waveland/Red Line Grill, Lower Bleachers; Bud Bar, Lower Bleachers; Portables Concourse, Aisles 101, 121, 129, and 135; Portables Mezzanine, Aisles 203, 209, 214, 222, 226, 227, and 232; Jim Beam Upper Deck, Aisles 306 and 328; Portables Bleachers, Aisles 501, 506, 507, 514, 515, and 540
• Corona: Beer & Wine, Aisles 107 and 118; Portables, Aisles 207, 214, 222, 228, 308, 326, 506, and 507
• Heineken: Beer & Wine, Aisles 114 and 122; Portables, Aisles 207, 222, 226, 227, and 321
• Michelob Ultra: Beer & Wine, Aisles 107 and 114; Mezzanine Portables, Aisles 207, 214, 228, and 232; Portables Upper Deck, Aisles 307, 308, 311, 312, 319, 321, 323, 326, and 327; Portables Bleachers, Aisles 507, 514, and 515; Pizza Left Field, Aisle 103; Third Base Classics, Aisle 110; Marquee Classics, Aisle 117; First Base Classics, Aisle 123; Right Field Classics, Aisle 128; Vienna Beef Grill, Aisle 131; Bud Bar, Lower Bleachers; Three Fingers Bar, Upper Bleachers; Bleacher Bars, Upper Bleachers
• And of course, Old Style: Beer & Wine, Aisle 107, 114, 118, and 122; Red Line Grill, Lower Bleachers Right Field; Portables Mezzanine, Aisle 207, 222, 228, and 232; Portable Upper Deck, Aisle 321

Fan Favorites at Wrigley Field

This list was compiled thanks to all the amazing information provided by you all. Please continue to use this thread to share your own favorite experiences in and around Wrigley!

• The Statues: Around the grounds of Wrigley Field, you can find three statues dedicated to some of the most iconic members of the Cubs franchise: “Mr. Cub” himself, Ernie Banks, legendary announcer Harry Caray, and Hall of Famer Billy Williams adorn the different corners of Wrigley in bronze.
• Running the Bases: On Sundays with day games, kids get to run the bases for free, so be sure to bring the whole family out!
• Bleacher Shenanigans: During games, the fans out in the bleachers often find a way to spice things up even more beyond the game itself. From literal weddings to world-record cup stacking, if you can find your way to the bleachers during a game, you'll be sure to see something unique.

More to come!

Wrigley Field FAQs

There's always basic questions that fans have regarding certain policies and measurements in place at the events they're attending. While there are some universal guidelines governing all of baseball for the sake of ballpark decorum and safety, every stadium always has its own unique set of rules too. Below are some of the most commonly asked fan questions for those about to attend a baseball game at Wrigley Field (and here is a link to a complete information guide on Wrigley Field).

Q: What are the differences in terms of the rules of the game between Wrigley Field and other ballparks?
A: The full set of Wrigley Field ground rules can be found here, but some of the basics include:

• Fair ball entering vines [ivy] on bleacher wall and rebounds onto playing field: In Play.
• Fair ball striking railing [the home run baskets] or video screen attached to the bleacher wall and rebounding onto the playing field: In Play.
• A catch may be made on the field tarp (also known as the Rizzo Rule)

Q: I'd really like to catch a home run, but my seats are in foul territory. Can I watch batting practice at Wrigley Field?
A: Batting practice schedules and times vary before each home game and are at the discretion of either team - be sure to check before each game on social media via the teams' official accounts or their official MLB.com website for further information. For most games, gates will open 90 minutes prior to first pitch. Gates will open two hours before first pitch for Opening Day, Saturday games and special occasions, unless otherwise specified by the Cubs.

Q: What is the bag policy at Wrigley Field?
A: All security measurements currently in place at Wrigley Field can be found here (the link is kept up-to-date by the Cubs and MLB). The bag policy is as follows for the 2023 season:

“Bag restrictions are in place for the 2023 season. Backpacks (including clear backpacks), hard-sided coolers (regardless of size) and bags larger than 16 x 16 x 8 inches are NOT permitted at Wrigley Field. Other bags (such as wallets, purses, drawstring bags, fanny packs, lunch bags, briefcases and soft-sided coolers) smaller than 16 x 16 x 8 inches in size are permitted. Exceptions will be made for medical bags and diaper bags that accompany guests with young children. Bags are subject to inspection.”

NOTE: There are NO bag or luggage storage options available at Wrigley Field. Plan accordingly before heading to a game!

Q: What other items are prohibited/allowed when attending a game?
A: The Prohibited Item list is a long one, but the most common household items on the list are:

• Alcohol, marijuana and all other “intoxicating and/or inebriating” substances
• Unmanned vehicles (e.g., drones), selfie sticks and any and all other professional camera equipment (unless MLB or Chicago Cubs personnel with the proper permits and ID verification). Also note that any videos or pictures captured by personal equipment may only be used for personal use, and may not be distributed in any commercial sense.
• Firearms, weapons of any kind, and any “tool or item” that ballpark personnel deems dangerous to the safety of other fans and players
• And, of course, all offensive clothing, crafts and displayable imagery are strictly prohibited from Wrigley Field grounds

Q: What is the hotline/phone number I can reach out to if another fan is interfering with our experience at Wrigley Field?
A: “Our fan text messaging service will continue to allow you to call our attention to issues in the ballpark without leaving your seat. If anyone is interfering with your enjoyment of Wrigley Field, please contact the nearest Wrigley Field associate for assistance or send a text message to 773-207-2106 with the keyword "Friendly" and include your seat location and a description of your issue. We will respond to your request as soon as possible. Standard message and data rates may apply.”

Also note that if you need to reach another fan for emergency purposes, you can go to the Fan Services Booth on the main concourse behind home plate or call Fan Services at 800-THE-CUBS.

Q: What is the Wi-Fi situation at Wrigley Field?
A: Given the historic nature of the stadium, the speed of internet connectivity may be slower than other ballparks. However, an expanded free Wi-Fi service powered by Xfinity is available throughout Wrigley Field using the network labeled "XfinityWifi@Wrigley" (no password required).

Q: What are the accessibility features available at Wrigley Field?
A: Again, you can find a full outline of all the accessibility features at Wrigley Field here, but the most important information is as follows:

• Accessible Parking: “Parking for persons with a valid disability license plate or placard is available on a game-by-game basis in the Toyota Camry Lot located at 1126 W. Grace St. Chicago, IL 60613. Spaces are subject to availability, and all fan parking in the Toyota Camry Lot is paid parking. We encourage guests with disabilities to reserve accessible parking in advance through the Wrigley Field Ticket Office by calling 800-THE-CUBS or emailing fanservices@cubs.com.”
• Accessible Seating: “Accessible seating sections are located throughout the ballpark near an elevator, lift and/or ramp. Guests with mobility disabilities and up to three companions are encouraged to make their purchase in advance. Tickets are subject to availability and can be purchased at the Wrigley Field Ticket Office, by calling 800-THE-CUBS, emailing fanservices@cubs.com or by visiting Cubs.com/Tickets.”
• Assistive Listening Devices: “Assistive listening devices are available for use, free of charge, from the Fan Services Booth located on the main concourse behind home plate. A form of identification must be left in exchange for the device [which will be promptly returned once the device is returned to the Fan Services Booth].”
• First Aid: “The Advocate Health Care First Aid station is located behind home plate on the main concourse. Signage identifies this area. A physician and registered nurse and emergency medical technicians are on hand for all games. Automated external defibrillator (AED) machines are located throughout the ballpark, including in First Aid. First Aid also includes a restroom and dedicated nursing mothers' room.”
• Wheelchair Services: “For those individuals who require assistance from the gates to their seats, complimentary wheelchair service is available. Upon entering the ballpark, please ask a Wrigley Field associate for assistance. Guests utilizing wheelchair assistance will receive a ticket from their attendant to arrange a postgame pick-up time. Wheelchair service is provided on a first-come, first-served basis and reservations are not accepted. Wheelchair assistance is only provided to and from the seating location and gate, and wheelchairs are not permitted to go off property. The Club does not provide storage for any personal belongings including wheelchairs, walkers and scooter.”

And that, my dear friends, is all [for now]. This guide will continue to be updated as Wrigley evolves and us fans continue to discuss the best ways to experience the best stadium in baseball. Thank you to everyone who left comments and suggestions - this guide is truly one for the fans, by the fans.