Wrigley Field is located in Wrigleyville, a northern part of Chicago, and is the home of the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball. Opened on April 23, 1914, the ballpark is the oldest ballpark in the National League (the second oldest in the major leagues, after the Boston Red Sox). The original name was Weeghman Park, which was the home of the Chicago Whales of the Federal League. However, the Federal League was suppressed by the National League and the American League and quickly disbanded two years later. Wrigley Jr., the owner of the Whales and chewing gum tycoon, purchased the Cubs and moved the team here. , it has been 109 years since the stadium was built and it became a National Historic Landmark in 2020.
The gate behind home plate has a large red sign, the stadium landmark Marquee, which is a must-have photo spot when visiting Wrigley Field. The font of ART-DECO and the red background color allow people to see the information of today's game from a distant place.
I like to enter the stadium through this gate, because most of the highlights are here, such as the team store, the first admission certificate booth, and the memorabilia merchandise store that sells the day's game balls and players' game-used equipment.
Ball Park Facilities:
You can get a first-time certificate when you enter the major leagues for the first time. The Cubs first-time certificate is on the right side of the Marquette entrance near the team merchandise store. It is a free souvenir for everyone to take home.
Because Wrigley Field is relatively old, the design of the entire concourse is closed and you cannot see the gameplay on the field. When queuing, you need to watch the TV to know the plays of the field. However, the floor tiles, brick walls and Wrigley Field Green (special green, paint dealer Sold by Benjamin Moore, item number SC-62) are all features of Wrigley Field.
The merchandise store is designed on two floors. On the first floor, City Connect jerseys, player cards, and boutiques can be purchased.
Various dolls, special edition baseballs, socks, and mugs can be purchased on the first floor; the second floor mainly sells T-shirts, ball caps, jerseys, and bags and clothing. If you come before the game, there will be a large number of people queuing up, so it is recommended if you want to buy something, come as early as possible to avoid queuing at the beginning of the game or wait until the game is over to buy the souvenirs.
The most eye-catching thing in the stands is the historical scoreboard in center field. The fully manual score changing is just like my experience watching games at the old Taichung Baseball Stadium when I was a child. Someone would stand inside and change the number board. During the game, there will be holes in certain spaces where you can see the staff working inside and observing the game.
This is the most recent installed electronic scoreboard on the right field. When it was first installed, there was a slight controversy because the outfield rooftop seats were blocked.
There is also another large electronic scoreboard on the left field.
The term "The Friendly Confine" comes from "Mr. Cubs" Ernie Banks. He stayed with the Cubs for 19 years. His love for the game made him the Cubs' most famous and popular player, and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1977.
The field staff were wetting the infield before the game. They are such professionals that they sprinkling the field with water evenly and the activity looks quite healing.
When the game started, the center field scoreboard staff started working constantly by changing the scoreboard manually and unexpectedly we saw the Blue Jays score 20 points that day, and this handwriting board actually had a 20-point card!
The broadcast staff in the media room behind home plate are busy working. You can see the Cubs broadcast unit of Marquee Sports Network. The portrait on the left is the famous Cubs broadcaster Mr. Harry Caray.
The logo of the toilet is also very clever. The head of the little man has turned into the Cubs logo, which shows the exquisiteness of the design of this big organization.
The urinal in the gentlemen room is very special and has a very traditional form. Perhaps this style is deliberately retained?
Seat View:
At Wrigley Field, special attention must be paid to the fact that there will be steel structure column supporting the roof, so some locations will be obstructed or the infield will be split into two portions, making it impossible to fully see the entire infield.
Behind the home plate is the Upper Box Infield (319R). I think the view from this area is very good and it is guarded by staff. You can clearly see the game.。
It will be a little complex to go to the third base side from first side. You have to go through the tunnel and go around the back of the Catalina Club to get to the Upper Box Infield (314L)
Behind the home plate on the first floor is the Field Box Home Plate (112~122). You can see the scoreboard extending from the infield to the outfield almost at eye level, and you also access to the skyline of the Wrigley Field.
Further toward third base is Field Box Infield (111), which is actually closer to the pitcher's mound than behind home plate.
From this distance, players can be clearly photographed using the longest lens specified by the Cubs(no more than 8 inches when extended).
Of course, the most special thing about Wrigley Field is the rooftop seats beyond the outfield. These are approved for sale by Cubs and can be purchased through the official website. However, the ticket prices usually exceed 100 dollars.
Atmosphere:
The foul territory of Wrigley Field is quite close to the seats, and you can clearly see the expressions of visiting team players practicing.
Fans will dance and sing to the music between innings. Among them, YMCA is the most resonant song and everyone will stand up and dance.
"Take Me Out to the Ball Game" will be sung in the mid seventh inning. The video shows Mr. Harry Caray leading everyone in singing, which gives a sense of time and space juxtaposed.
When singing, everyone puts their arms around each other and sings and sways to the melody. No matter how old they are, they will be immersed in the atmosphere of the stadium.
After the Cubs win a game, the song "GO CUBS GO" will be played throughout the stadium, and the fans will sing loudly, creating a joyful atmosphere.
Wrigley Field is a historic stadium in the major leagues. There are many interesting historical traces to see besides watching ball games. What’s even more amazing is that the Wrigley Field is evolving every year. This year, the right field has also increased the space for sports games, and the stadium lighting has changed into a LED changeable light set. The bars, mini golf bar and restaurants surrounding the stadium have turned the neighborhood into an entertainment area and one of the important living circles in the northern suburbs of Chicago.
Ballpark Information:
Public Transportation:: After the game, there will be bus No. 22 (Loop), bus No. 152 (Lake Shore Drive), and bus No. 80 (Irving Park).
Gate Open: 2 hours prior to the first pitch
Bag Policy: Yes (16*16*8 inches fully transparent bag)
Payment policy: Cashless payment, you can bring cash to the stadium and exchange it for a stored-value card
Seat view: There are some spaces where the steel columns completely block the view. You need to go online to see the 3D seat map before buying tickets.
Home team dugout: The Cubs are on the third base side
Websites:
Cubs official website: https://www.mlb.com/cubs
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