Thing to do
Chicago Riverwalk
The Chicago Riverwalk runs along the south bank of the river's main branch through the Loop, with plazas, piers, floating gardens, places to eat and boat…
Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs since 1916, is a 1914 ballpark in Wrigleyville with ivy-covered walls, a hand-turned scoreboard and guided tours.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic baseball stadium and tours
- Area
- Wrigleyville, Chicago, United States
- Official site
- mlb.com
Good to know
- Guided tours
- Chicago Cubs games
- Wheelchair accessible tours
- Red Line at Addison
Why we recommend it
Wrigley Field opened on 23 April 1914 as Weeghman Park, and it has been home to the Chicago Cubs since 1916. Known as "The Friendly Confines", it sits in the Wrigleyville area of Lakeview on the North Side and holds about 41,600 fans.
Its traditions are a large part of the appeal. The ivy on the outfield brick wall was planted in 1937, the same year the hand-turned scoreboard was installed, and the red art deco marquee over the main entrance dates from 1934. Even if you are not a baseball fan, these details give the park a character that newer stadiums lack.
There are two ways to visit. The first is a Cubs game during the baseball season, which runs from spring to early autumn; afternoon games in particular feel like a neighbourhood event, and the streets around the park fill with fans before and after. The second is a guided tour, which lasts 75 to 90 minutes and runs rain or shine. On non-game days, tours can include the seating bowl, the bleachers, the outfield ivy, the press box, the visiting clubhouse, a dugout and the field, while game-day tours cover fewer areas. All stops are subject to availability.
Tours run only on the dates listed on the Cubs tour schedule, so check before planning a visit. Tickets are bought online and are mobile only, through the MLB Ballpark app, and same-day purchases are limited. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early at the Gallagher Way gate on the west side of the ballpark. Tours are wheelchair accessible, though some areas such as the dugout have limited access, and an ASL interpreter can be arranged with at least 48 hours' notice. Children aged two and under go free.
A game or tour suits sports fans, families and anyone interested in American culture. Allow most of an afternoon for a game, including time in the surrounding streets, and a couple of hours for a tour.
Getting there is easy: take the Red Line to Addison, which is right by the park, and allow extra time on game days when trains and streets are crowded. The park is about five miles from downtown, and the bars of Wrigleyville and Lakeview are on the doorstep.
Wrigley Field FAQs
When did Wrigley Field open?
On 23 April 1914, as Weeghman Park.
Who plays there?
The Chicago Cubs, who have played there since 1916.
Can you tour Wrigley Field?
Yes. Guided tours last 75 to 90 minutes and run on dates listed on the Cubs tour schedule.
What do tours include?
On non-game days, stops can include the bleachers, press box, visiting clubhouse, dugout and field, subject to availability.
How do you buy tour tickets?
Online, as mobile tickets in the MLB Ballpark app; same-day sales are limited.
Where do tours start?
At the Gallagher Way gate on the west side of the ballpark; arrive 10 to 15 minutes early.
Is it accessible?
Tours are wheelchair accessible, although some areas such as the dugout have limited access.
How do you get there?
Take the CTA Red Line to Addison.
When was the ivy planted?
In 1937, the same year the hand-turned scoreboard was installed.