Inside the Park:

It really doesn’t get any more traditional than Wrigley Field, with great views from just about anywhere of the game and the city skyline. Built in 1916, it’s the second oldest ballpark in the entire country. 

The pinstriped flags atop the left and right-field foul poles represent retired uniform numbers worn by four Cubs greats of the past, Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, Ron Santo and Ryan Sandberg. More famous cubs are honored throughout the Ballpark. “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” is sung during the seventh inning stretch like most ballparks, but here at Wrigley you get to enjoy being led by former players and other famous people that now take the place of the forever famous Harry Caray.

The scoreboard in center field was constructed in 1937 and to this day the score-by-innings and pitchers numbers are still changed by hand. We hope by the end of the game a White flag with a blue W raises above the scoreboard after the game, indicating to the city that the Cubs have been victorious. They break the news even if they lose by raising a Blue flag with an L.

Food and Drink:

Wrigley Field houses many food choices throughout the park, although most are along the hot dog/brat/sausage lines. While in Chicago, do as the Chicagoans do and get a city styled hot dog with grilled onions, diced tomatoes, peppers, relish, mustard and celery salt. Luckily Chicago Dogs are located all throughout, just refer to the stadium map. Sticking to the city theme, we recommend getting a Chicago Deep Dish pizza at The Blue W (Sec 124 and 133).

Found on every level is the Cub House featuring a pulled pork sandwich served with barbeque sauce and southwestern coleslaw to perfection. If you’re with a group (or just really really hungry) then share a North Side Twist, a 2 pound pretzel served with a variety of tasty dipping sauces, found at CC's Frozen Drinks. 

For something healthier, The Blue W near section 134 or Big Hits in the Lower Bleachers have Veggie Chopped Salads, Fruit or Veggie Cups. The Blue W (sec 134) and Italian Hot Spot (Sec 112) also have turkey and veggie wraps that tend to disappear fast so get in line before the game even starts. At The Broadcast Grill you can find veggie burgers.

New for 2012: The High Plains Bison Cart (lower right field concourse) is definitely worth checking out.

There are a few places in the park with actual tables where you can sit and eat. The Friendly Confines Cafe is down the right field line not far from the Harry Caray statue and one of the nicest stands in the park. For shorter lines though - check out the Sheffield Grill behind Gate D.

For alcoholic beverages, head to CC’s Frozen drinks located in the Upper Bleachers and near Section 115 on the Main Concourse for some Margaritas or Vodka Lemonades or a Mai Tai, which are also found at a couple other locations, like the Smirnoff Patio Concessions area behind home plate on the top level. You can enjoy tables and a great view of Chicago from there as well.  

As for beer, Budweiser and Old Style is what you'll find at most vendors, although some imports like Heineken and Corona can be found at any Wrigleyville Brew House. Check the stadium map for specific locations.

Just beware that many of the smaller portable stands are cash only, although there are quite a few PNC Bank or Bank of America ATMs around.

Seating:

Being a smaller park, even the top level seats don't feel that far from the field. if you're in the 200 level, an overhang blocks some views, but at least you'll be in the shade during hot day games. The last few rows of the 100 section are also usually under the shade (about rows 10-15).

The Ballpark and Neighborhood:

The Friendly Confines is exactly that, with its ivy covered outfield wall, iconic marquee style sign outside the main entrance and a hand turned scoreboard. Make sure to stop by the exterior of Gate D and get your picture taken with the Harry Caray statue on your way in or out of the park. Gates open two hours prior to game time.

The park is located on the North side of Chicago in a community area known as Central Lakeview. Home to a large number of bars and restaurants, the immediate surrounding neighborhood has been nicknamed Wrigleyville and many of the establishments nearby are now very much sports-themed. There are so many options within walking distance for pre or post game, that it would be hard to list them all.  From traditional sports bars to local Mexican or Tapas restaurants, you'll have quite a few options beyond just those directly across from the park. Generally the closer you are to Wrigley, like at Slugger's or Cubby Bear, the younger, drunker, and rowdier you'll find it. If you're looking for a slightly more chill and civilized spot not too far away, there are still a few options like Twist for tapas and sangria or Sheffield's for BBQ and craft beer just a short walk south (although expect a huge crowd on a Friday or Saturday night).

Check out our "Before & After the Game" map for some our favorite spots.

Parking:

Parking in Cubs operated lots can be purchased in advance (subject to availability), by calling (800) 843-2827 or at the Wrigley Field box office. The Cubs operate and supervise a parking lot located at 1126 W. Grace Street and parking passes can be purchased through the mail or in person at the Wrigley Field box office.

Parking around Wrigley is heavily restricted. Tailgating is not allowed and the Chicago Police Department strictly enforce open container laws, so beware. In some areas close to Wrigley Field parking is not allowed on the streets without a resident permit sticker showing on your car's windshield. During night games there is no parking allowed on any of the streets in the Wrigleyville area without a resident permit sticker showing on your car's windshield. CARS WILL BE TOWED!

Check our "Before & After the Game" section for parking icons - many of the privately owned lots nearby can be booked ahead of time directly though us and our affiliate Parkwhiz. Just one block from the park on N. Sheffield you'll find a lot that is usually around $55, or you can venture just a few blocks further (try south off Sheffield and Belmont) where you'll find lots that are often under $15. You'll find their icons on our map.

Another site you may want to check out for additional parking is http://parkforwrigley.com/

Remote parking and shuttle service to Wrigley Field is located at DeVry University, 3300 N. Campbell Ave; Campbell and Addison Streets. The parking/shuttle service is available for weekend and night games. Parking cost is $6.00, which includes a free roundtrip shuttle ride for all occupants of the vehicle. Parking/shuttle service begins 2 hours prior to game time. Shuttle buses run for 1 hour after the game on night games and 2 hours after a weekend day game.

Public Transportation:

We strongly recommend taking public transportation to the game. The CTA Red Line provides direct service to Wrigley Field via the accessible station at Addison. Fans can transfer to Red Line trains from all other rail lines and from most east-west bus routes.

For those fans in the northwest and west suburbs, you can take Pace's Wrigley Field Express Route non-stop to Wrigley Field. You can park for FREE at Pace's Northwest Transportation Center in Schaumburg and Yorktown Center in Lombard and you will arrive at the park relaxed and ready to cheer on the Cubs. Either route costs $4 each way per person (exact cash fare is required on the bus). The routes operate during all evening, weekend and holiday games, as well as to every game in June, July and August.

Be sure to also check out our "Info Inside the Stadium" section for some great suggestions once inside Wrigley.