VIEW TO A THRILL To spot the exterior of Lakeview Baseball Club, just look for the Latin signage. “Eamus Catuli!” roughly translates to “Let’s go, Cubs!”
A bird’s-eye view of the Cubs is even cheaper this season. In an effort to keep fans watching from just outside the Friendly Confines, some rooftop companies are offering reduced-price packages for repeat clients starting with this season’s home opener, Monday 13. Here’s a guide to the best views and values on Wrigleyville’s roofs.
Lakeview Baseball Club
(3633 N Sheffield Ave, 773-935-1880)
The sole members-only rooftop, Lakeview requires a yearly fee of $200 to $1,000 that gives patrons club access as well as the chance to buy lower-cost guest-ticket packages per game. Tickets include an all-you-can-eat buffet and unlimited beer and wine.
Deets on seats Tiered metal chairs behind right-center field
Cost In addition to the yearly fee, patrons pay $90 for a ticket, and guests pay $165.
Specials Sundays and holidays are reduced-price ($75 for members, $100 for guests). Lakeview also plans to offer seats to the upcoming Rascal Flatts concert on July 18 ($195 for guests, $120 for members) and the Elton John–Billy Joel shows on July 16 and July 21 ($249 for guests, $174 for members).
Who goes there One of the few places to offer ticket packages for out-of-state visitors, Lakeview can draw fans who don’t root, root, root for the Cubbies.
Wrigley Done Right
(3621 N Sheffield Ave, 773-388-0500)
One of the largest, most laid-back rooftops, Wrigley Done Right serves up ballpark food by the boatload and all-you-can-swig beer and wine inside an air-conditioned indoor bar, complete with plasma-screen TVs in the bathrooms.
Deets on seats Standard bleacher-bum seating behind the right-field foul pole
Cost $75 to $225, depending on the popularity of the game
Specials Call for discounts on early-season games as well as tickets to the concerts
Who goes there The shaggy postcollegiate crowd, man-boys (and the blonds who love them), easygoing celebs like Bill Murray
Skybox on Sheffield
(3627 N Sheffield Ave, 773-303-9999)
In addition to more than 6,000 square feet of viewing space, Skybox also features a rooftop beer garden, grills, an air-conditioned clubhouse and pool tables.
Deets on seats Bi-level bleacher seating behind right-field foul pole
Cost $150 to $200 per ticket
Specials Value dates throughout April and May cost $150 to $175 per ticket; 12- or 18-game packages go for as low as $145 per ticket.
Who goes there Because Skybox is the only rooftop venue with an indoor business center (complete with Wi-Fi and faxing capabilities), it tends to draw suits who can’t leave the office at the office.
Murphy’s Rooftop
(3655 N Sheffield Ave, 773-281-5356)
One of the smaller (and cheaper) rooftop venues, Murphy’s caters primarily to private parties of 50 to 100 that reserve the entire roof. Patrons get access to the views and Murphy’s Bleachers bar-restaurant underneath.
Deets on seats Bleacher seating in the sweet spot between first and second base
Cost Cheap by comparison. Renting the facility is $2,000 to $10,000 ($40 to $200 per person).
Specials On certain days in April and May, Murphy’s opens the roof to everyone, offering individual tickets for $50 to $80 (call for info on games available at that price). But Murphy’s is no good for concerts—it’s directly behind the stage.
Who goes there Everyone from tweens to grandmas on the family-reunion march
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