Wrigley Field

Nothing’s more American than baseball, and Wrigley Field, named for the chewing gum company, is one of the sport’s holiest sites.  Built in just six weeks back in 1914, the park is a throwback to baseball’s past.  The field fits snugly in Chicago’s street grid.  Lights for night games were not installed until 1988.  The signature features are the ivy covering the outfield fences and the original marquee out front.

Wrigley Field’s tenant is the Cubs (though it also occasionally plays host to college football games), of baseball’s National League.  They have struggled in futility for more than 100 years now, the longest drought in American sports, victims of the ‘Billy Goat Curse’.  After Billy Sianis and his pet goat were ejected from Game 4 of the 1945 World Series (baseball’s championship), the disgruntled fan allegedly cursed the franchise.

Of course, that’s just a legend.  Even if you’re not a fan — even if you don’t know the rules of baseball — Wrigley Field is worth a visit.  The atmosphere here is unmatched.  It really feels like being transported back in time.  The fans are friendly (if you don’t know the rules, just ask someone) and it’s just a fun way to spend an afternoon.  Tickets are pretty reasonable, though can vary wildly depending on the opponent.  Also, no trip to the ball park is complete without trying the colorful food offerings.

Chicago’s other major league baseball team is the White Sox of the American League.  Playing at US Cellular Field (nee Comiskey Park) in Chicago’s South Side, they have a reputation as the city’s blue collar club (whereas the Cubs represent the white collar North Side).  If you happen to be a baseball fan and your team’s in town, check them out, but the atmosphere doesn’t compare to Wrigley Field.

Wrigley Field
Address: 1060 West Addison Street
Telephone: (773) 404 2827
Train: Addison-Red
Hours: Baseball season runs from April through September.  Check for the schedule.

US Cellular Field
Address: 333 West 35th Street
Telephone: (312) 674 1000
Train: Sox-35th
Hours: Baseball season runs from April through September.  Check for the schedule.