Chicago Cubs Tailgate | Wrigley Field Stadium Guide

Cubs Overview

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Fast facts

League: MLB

Head Coach: David Ross

Team Mascot: Clark the Cub

Year Opened: 1914

Capacity: 41649

City / State: Chicago / Illinois

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

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Crosstown Classic

Rival Team: White Sox

Also known as the Crosstown Classic, the rivalry between the Northsiders (Cubs) and the Southsiders (Sox) make for a great game day experience. Fans from the two opposing teams love to rile each other up and show who has the most loyalty so be ready for a fantastic day of partying and baseball when the Cubs and Sox square off.

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Chicago Cubs vs Milwaukee Brewers

Rival Team: Brewers

These two teams originally met in 1997 and the rivalry has been building since. The proximity of the two teams makes it very easy for fans from both the Cubs and Brewers to attend games in the park of the opposing team. Incidents such as the Cubs fan base buying more tickets to Miller Park than Brewers fans, as well as both teams battling for the National League Central crown on multiple occasions, have made this match up a fun and interesting one to watch.

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Route 66 Rivalry

Rival Team: Cardinals

The Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals play in a rivalry dubbed the Route 66 Rivalry. The rivalry between the Cubs and Cardinals is among the best in baseball and the two teams have a long history having played each other since the 1800s. There are few better times to be at Wrigley then when the Cardinals are in town.

Cubs Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

The atmosphere around Wrigleyville, when the Cubs are playing, is filled with excitement and a genuine love for baseball. Because people live so close to the stadium, Wrigley Field feels more like a neighborhood gathering with your closest friends than a major sporting event. The air is filled with Cubs pride, especially now that the Cubs just won their first World Series in over 100 years. The “friendly confines” of Wrigley are alive with fans, and their spirit is unmatched; the party/celebratory atmosphere regardless of the Cubs standing makes for a great experience at the home of the Chicago Cubs.

While many die-hard fans go to the games for baseball, in recent years most attendees at Wrigley are there for a party and to enjoy themselves, regardless of the outcome of the game. This makes Wrigley Field one of the most festive and lively atmospheres in baseball. It also helps that baseball season means it’s almost spring and there is nothing a Chicagoan looks forward to more than putting away their heaviest, warmest winter coat.

The best part about pre-gaming around Wrigley Field is how close you are to a great Chicago neighborhood filled with bars and restaurants only a few feet away. While tailgating is not allowed at Wrigley Field, that doesn’t stop the town from becoming what feels like a massive neighborhood block party. Get there early to give yourself plenty of time to experience and explore all that Wrigleyville has to offer.

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Traditions

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Batting Practice

The Chicago Cubs are one of the few teams to offer access for ticket holders who want to watch batting practice. Take advantage of this opportunity and arrive two hours before the first pitch to check out the Cubbies while they practice.

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Statues of Cubs Legends

When taking in a game at Wrigley Field, be sure to check out the statues of Ron Santo, Billy Williams, Ernie Banks, and Cubs broadcasting legend Harry Caray outside the stadium. The statues do a great way of honoring these Cubs legends and are a must-see for any baseball fan.

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Main Entry Marquee

Over the main entrance of the stadium is the iconic marquee that was installed in 1924, then later painted to its current color of red in 1960. It is one of the most historic features of Wrigley Field and a symbol of great pride on the north side of Chicago.

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Wrigley Field Tour

Almost every ballpark in the country offers a tour, but at Wrigley, it’s truly worth the extra money to see the park in its entirety. At over 100 years old, it’s a big piece of baseball history that fans won’t want to miss.

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Where to tailgate

Murphy’s BleachersRight across the stadium is a place called Murphy’s Bleachers and if you want to get rowdy on game day, this is the place for you. Don’t expect much else from this place besides getting drunk.
Cubby BearOne of the most recognizable restaurants/bars in Wrigleyville is the Cubby Bear. It’s located right near the stadium and is all about the Chicago Cubs. Stop by for a beer before the game and check out all the Chicago memorabilia on the walls
Downtown WrigleyvilleUnfortunately, Wrigley Field doesn’t allow tailgating but not to worry! Wrigleyville has over 80 bars and restaurants and everything in between to pre-game and celebrates game day.

Cubs Stadium Guide

In Game

While up until recently the Chicago Cubs had notoriously been absent from World Series contention for years, that didn’t stop Chicagoans from bleeding red and blue and coming out in strong numbers to support their team. Win or lose you’ll find incredible support for the Cubs all throughout the Chicagoland area, although it’s particularly present on the North Side.

The Friendly Confines offer one of the most traditional, neighborhood-style baseball experiences, partly due to their location in Wrigleyville. You won’t find any Ferris wheels or pools inside this stadium, but what you will find is a genuine love and deep loyalty for baseball and the Chicago Cubs.

With its status as a historical landmark, it’s no surprise how much history is represented inside Wrigley Field. Everything about Wrigley Field speaks to its historic past; from the red marquee above the main entrance to the brick walls featuring vintage photo murals celebrating the park’s history, Wrigley Field does a great job of preserving the history of Chicago Cubs baseball.

A trip to Wrigley Field is on the bucket list of any sports fan meaning there is no reason not for you to book your ticket to Chicago today!

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Things to check out

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Vienna Beef Hotdogs

You’re not truly a part of the Wrigley Field experience unless you enjoy a Chicago-style Vienna Beef hot dog. They’re all over the stadium, and a must have while enjoying the game!

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Hard-turned Scoreboard

Wrigley Field is one of the last baseball parks (aside from Fenway) that still uses a hand-turned scoreboard, keeping in line with the rest of the stadium’s traditional vibe. Keep track of the score with the iconic scoreboard during your trip to Wrigley.

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First Timers Booth

If it’s your very first Cubs game, stop by the First Timers Booth in the right field concourse to get your official first Cubs game certificate. The certificate is a great keepsake that will allow you to remember your first time seeing the Cubs play live and will look great on the mantle.

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Bleacher Seats

If you want the true fan experience, then sitting in the bleachers is a must. The fans here are normally die-hard Cubs fans and are not afraid to show their North Side pride. It gets pretty rowdy over here so be ready to party and get there early as seats are unassigned.

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The Ivy

All over the outfield walls is the famous ivy that Wrigley Field is known for. As the only ballpark to have an ivy covered wall, Wrigley’s outfield is one of the prettiest in all of baseball. The Ivy starts out as only vines but blooms into the leafy ivy that grows thick and green over the course of the summer.

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White Flag After Victories

After victories at Wrigley Field, fans will wave a white flag with a big blue “W” on it commemorating the win for the Cubbies. The expression waging the white flag means something completely different in Wrigleyville, so come prepared to fly the W after a Cubs victory.

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Throw It Back

While many fans would love to catch a homerun ball, at Wrigley Field you’ll get pressured into throwing it back if it's from the opposing team. Fans will start to chant “Throw it back!” and you’ll have to decide what to do!

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Ballhawks

Thess hardcore, dedicated fans go to all Chicago Cubs games, spring training included, to try and catch a baseball from Wrigley Field. It’s not just standing around, hoping for some luck. No, these fans study hitters’ charts and tendencies against opposing pitchers. This has been a Cubs tradition since their inception in 1914 and continues to add to the experience of being at Wrigley Field.

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Fight Songs

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

As with most baseball teams; Cubs fans sing this baseball classic during the seventh inning stretch but as a tribute to legendary announcer Harry Caray who used to sing it every seventh inning stretch. The song is now usually sung by a celebrity guest from the press box.

Take me out to the ball game
Take me out with the crowd
Buy me some peanuts and crackerjacks
I don’t care if I never get back
Let me root, root, root
For the home team
If they don’t win it’s a shame
Aahh.
For it’s one,
Two,
Three strikes you’re out
At the old ball game

All I need is just one chance
I could hit a home run
There isn’t anyone else like me
Maybe I’ll go down in history
And it’s root, root, root
For the home team
Here comes fortune and fame
‘Cause I know
That
I’ll be the star
At the old
Ball
Game
Go Cubs Go

After home game wins, the Cubs and fans proudly sing Go Cubs! Go! Accompanied by Gary Pressy, who has been the organist at Wrigley Field for the past twenty-five years

Baseball season’s underway
Well, you’d better get ready for a brand new day
Hey Chicago, what do you say?
The Cubs are gonna win today

They’re singing
Go, Cubs, Go!
Go, Cubs Go!
Hey Chicago, what do you say?
The Cubs are gonna win today

Go, Cubs, Go!
Go, Cubs, Go!
Hey Chicago, what do you say?
The Cubs are gonna win today

They got the power
They got the speed
To be the best in the National League

Well, this is the year
And the Cubs are real
So come on down to Wrigley Field

(We’re singing, now)
Go, Cubs, Go!
Go, Cubs Go!
Hey Chicago, what do you say?
The Cubs are gonna win today

Go, Cubs, Go!
Go, Cubs Go!
Hey Chicago, what do you say?
The Cubs are gonna win today

Baseball time is here again
You can catch it all on WGN
So stamp your feet and clap your hands
Chicago Cubs’ got the greatest fans

(Here I’m singing, now)
Go, Cubs, Go!
Go, Cubs, Go!
Hey Chicago, what do you say?
The Cubs are gonna win today

(Let’s go!)
Go, Cubs, Go!
Go, Cubs, Go!
Hey Chicago, what do you say?
The Cubs are gonna win today!

Go, Cubs, Go!
Go, Cubs, Go!
Hey Chicago, what do you say?
The Cubs are gonna win today

(Take charge!)
Go, Cubs, Go!
Go, Cubs, Go!
Hey Chicago, what do you say?
The Cubs are gonna win today

Go, Cubs, Go!
Go, Cubs, Go!
Hey Chicago, what do you say?
The Cubs are gonna win today

Go, Cubs, Go!
Go, Cubs, Go!
Hey Chicago, what do you say?
The Cubs are gonna win today

Go, Cubs, Go!
Go, Cubs, Go!
Hey Chicago, what do you say?
The Cubs are gonna win today

Cubs Bars & Restaurants

Sheffield’s Wine & Beer Garden

Neighborhood bar serving BBQ, bar food & craft beers inside or in the large beer garden.

3258 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657, USA

773-281-4989

Bar website

american - bbq - $$
Lowcountry

Southern seafood boils, cocktails & beer served in nautical surroundings with a backyard look.

3343 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657, USA

773-996-9997

Bar website

american - $$$
Sluggers

Sports bar with second floor batting cages, skeeball & other games, along with a dueling piano bar.

3540 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657, USA

773-248-0055

Bar website

sportsbar - $$
Murphy’s Bleachers

Spacious sports pub with outdoor area across from Wrigley Field that packs in fans on game days.

3655 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60613, USA

773-477-4751

Bar website

sportsbar - $
Old Crow

Asian-influenced BBQ pairs with Southern cocktails & live country music in a large urban-chic space.

3506 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657, USA

773-537-4452

Bar website

american - bbq - $$
The Cubby Bear

Bustling sports bar with live music, bar food, billiards & lively post-Cubs baseball game scene.

1059 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60613, USA

773-327-1662

Bar website

american - sportsbar - $
Casey Morans

Bringing you high-definition signal into our thirty 52″ plasma-screen TVs, there’s not a bad seat in the house to watch your favorite teams.

3660 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613, USA

773-755-4444

Bar website

american - sportsbar - $
Dimo’s Pizza

At Dimo's, pizza is their craft. It is an edible palate on which they can imagine their wildest culinary creations.

3463 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657, USA

773-525-4580

Bar website

pizza - $
PR Italian Bistro

We go out of our way to provide you authentic Italian fresh dishes that keep you craving to come back for another bite at Pizza Rustica.

3908 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60613, USA

773-404-8955

Bar website

pizza - $$
Al’s Beef

Oven-roasted, perfectly Italian-seasoned roasted beef just for you.

3420 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657, USA

708-478-8440

Bar website

american - italian - $
Byron’s Hot Dog Haus

Making sure that hotdogs in Chicago are in the best.

1017 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60613, USA

773-281-7474

Bar website

american - $$
Lucky Sandwich Co.

Local chain, featured in "Man v. Food", serving grilled sandwiches, wings, salads, fries & beer.

3472 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657, USA

773-549-0665

Bar website

american - $$