The second-oldest major league ballpark in the country, Wrigley Field has seen a lot of history play out in front of its ivy-covered brick outfield wall. But the home of the Chicago Bears isn't stuck in the past. A renovation completed in 2015 has brought the vintage ballpark into the 21st century, with a brand-new jumbo-sized video board to complement the old-school, hand-turned scoreboard that fans love. The surrounding neighborhoods of Wrigleyville and Lakeview welcome post-game throngs with a lively sports-bar scene.
Wrigley Field parking
Parking is scarce in Wrigleyville. Most residential streets in the area are permit parking only, and the main Cubs lot at 1126 W. Grace St. fills up fast. During night and weekend games, the stadium also runs shuttles to a remote lot with free parking at 3900 North Rockwell Ave. If you still insist on driving, your best bet may be to rent a parking space from a Wrigleyville resident through ParkWhiz.
Hotels near Wrigley Field
If you're traveling in a group, the 4- to 9-person suites at The Inn at Wrigley Field are a great deal. Otherwise, you'd be well-advised to look further south for accommodations, particularly in hotel-rich River North, a quick El ride away. Though pricey, the Courtyard Marriott and the Westin Chicago River North are both good bets.
Seating at Wrigley Field
If you can't shell out for Club Box seats, go for the next best thing—seats with unobstructed views set between the bases. Field Box Sections 111-131 or Upper Deck Box Sections 411-430 offer surprisingly good views. You can also watch the game from outside the stadium, thanks to companies like Wrigleyville Rooftops that set up bleachers on the roofs of nearby buildings.
Food at Wrigley Field
Most vendors serve standard ballpark fare such as Vienna Beef hot dogs, brats, and nachos. If you're feeling fancy, grab a slice of stuffed pizza at Giordano's (Section 306), or head to the Decade Diner (Section 137-140) for bison hot dogs and other gourmet items.
Beer at Wrigley Field
A small draft beer at Wrigley costs an average of around $8. Budweiser and Bud Light flow most plentifully, but craft beers from local Chicago brewery Goose Island are available as well. Old Style, the classic Milwaukee brew, has been served in the Friendly Confines since 1950, but you won't find vendors hawking it in the aisles. Due to the Cubs' exclusive marketing deal with Anheuser-Busch, thirsty Old Style fans will have to head to brick-and-mortar concession areas instead.
Parking Alternatives to Wrigley Field
Public transportation is your best option for getting to Wrigley Field. The Addison Red Line El stop is right next door to the stadium, as is a Divvy bike share station. If you're staying outside of the city, Pace also runs express buses to the north and northwest suburbs for less than $10 round trip.
Author's bio: Nathalie Lagerfeld is a writer and editor based in Chicago, IL.
