Chicago wears its sports pride like a badge of honor, and nowhere is that spirit louder than when the Chicago Cubs are playing. The Major League Baseball (MLB) Cubs are the heartbeat of the city’s Wrigleyville neighborhood and a cornerstone of the Chicago sports scene.
Your guide to the Chicago Cubs
When the Chicago Cubs captured the World Series in 2016, it marked the end of a 108-year drought and a defining moment for one of baseball’s most devoted fan bases.
Among the few cities in the U.S. with two MLB clubs, Chicago thrives on a passionate baseball divide — North Siders rally behind the Cubs, while the South Side stands firmly with the Chicago White Sox.
Explore the Chicago Cubs schedule and grab your tickets for an unforgettable night out at the ballpark.
The Chicago Cubs game day experience
A Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field is a bucket-list experience for baseball fans. Game day brings non-stop excitement both inside and outside the ballpark.
Chicago Cubs game day traditions
Explore Wrigleyville
Start your game day by exploring Wrigleyville, the fun and funky neighborhood that surrounds the ballpark. When the Cubs are playing at home, the streets are guaranteed to be filled with fans hopping between local restaurants, merch shops, sports bars, and more.
Sing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game”
Raise your voice during the seventh‑inning stretch as Wrigley Field erupts into “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” a moment forever linked to legendary broadcaster Harry Caray. Known for his booming voice, oversized glasses, and unmatched enthusiasm, Caray turned the stretch into a signature Cubs ritual during his years in the booth.
After his passing in 1998, the team started inviting celebrity guests from Chicago and beyond to lead the sing-along.
Raise the flag
The Cubs have marked every home victory since 1937 by raising a white flag emblazoned with a striking blue “W.”
Celebrate with “Go, Cubs, Go!”
After a win, Wrigley Field erupts into Steve Goodman’s 1984 anthem, “Go, Cubs, Go!” The song has become the team’s unmistakable victory soundtrack, echoing through the ballpark as players and fans celebrate together.
Discover the ivy rule
Wrigley Field remains the only ballpark in MLB with ivy draped across its outfield walls — a signature feature added during the 1937 renovation.
When a batted ball disappears into the ivy, the outfielder should immediately raise both hands to signal it’s unplayable, and the umpires award a ground‑rule double. But once the fielder reaches into the vines to retrieve it, the ball stays live.
Enjoy rooftop viewing
Beyond the outfield, residential buildings surrounding the ballpark topped with bleachers overlook Wrigley Field — creating one of the most distinctive viewing experiences in baseball. During home games, many of the rooftops offer tickets with all-inclusive food and beverage packages.
Experience the Crosstown Classic
When the Cubs face the Chicago White Sox, the city’s baseball rivalry takes center stage. These interleague matchups — known as the Crosstown Classic — are some of the most sought‑after tickets of the season, with bragging rights on the line until the next showdown.
Join the bleacher bums
On a sunny summer afternoon, the Wrigley Field bleachers are in a league of their own. This general‑admission section is famous for its festive atmosphere, loyal regulars, and prime position for snagging home‑run balls.
Attend a theme night or gate giveaway
Every season, the Cubs roll out a fresh lineup of promotional events, including theme nights and gate giveaways, offering fans exclusive souvenirs, from limited‑edition apparel to custom accessories and collectible items. Arrive early — the best giveaways go fast.
More at Wrigley Field
On home game days, Gallagher Way becomes a bustling gathering spot for ticket holders. Ticket holders stretch out on the lawn, sip local brews, and catch highlights on the massive video board. It’s also a great spot for kids to blow off some steam during the game.
Plus, the nearby Budweiser Brickhouse Tavern welcomes both ticketed and non‑ticketed visitors with its outdoor terraces and game-ready menu of pub grub and craft beer.
Just inside the Marquee Gate, fans can visit the Trophy Room, where the 2016 World Series Championship trophy is on display most game days — a gleaming reminder of the Cubs’ historic run.
Collectors and die‑hard fans will want to swing by the Cubs Authentics Store behind Section 120. It’s the official home for MLB‑authenticated game‑used equipment and autographed memorabilia, with proceeds supporting Cubs Charities.
On Kids Sundays, young guests age 13 and under can pick up a Kids Run the Bases wristband at Gallagher Way or in the Budweiser Bleacher concourses. Available on a first-come, first-served basis, the wristband gives kids a chance to step onto the field after the final out, weather permitting.
Newcomers can head inside the Gallagher Way Gate to the First Timers Booth on the main concourse to grab a certificate celebrating their first Cubs game — a simple but charming Wrigley tradition.
History of the Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs trace their origins to 1870, when the team played as the Chicago White Stockings. In 1876, they joined the brand-new National League, helping launch the circuit that would define big‑league baseball for decades.
Owner William Hulbert built a powerhouse by signing stars like Albert Spalding, Ross Barnes, Deacon White, and a young Adrian “Cap” Anson, and the club immediately set the pace by claiming the league’s first championship.
The baseball landscape shifted around 1900, when a new competitor — the American League — arrived and planted a rival club on the South Side. That team adopted the old White Stockings name (soon shortened to White Sox), while the North Siders evolved into the Cubs.
The rebranded club surged into the new century, winning the 1907 and 1908 World Series and cementing its place as one of the sport’s early dynasties. However, what followed became one of the most famous droughts in sports: a championship wait that stretched more than a century.
Yet even during the toughest years, the Cubs developed a culture steeped in iconic personalities and long‑running lore that made them one of the most beloved and popular teams in baseball.
The Billy Goat legend (aka the “Curse of the Billy Goat”) began in 1945, after a tavern owner and his goat failed to gain entry to the World Series. Fans jokingly blamed the snub for the long drought that followed.
Between the charm of the Friendly Confines and the charisma of beloved broadcaster Harry Caray, whose booming seventh‑inning stretch sing‑alongs became a Chicago tradition, the Cubs always made the ballpark feel like a celebration, win or lose.
Everything changed in 2016, when a fearless Cubs team stormed through the postseason and won a dramatic seven‑game World Series, beating the Cleveland team in extra innings and finally ending the 108‑year drought. The victory rewrote the franchise’s identity, turning generations of hope into triumph.
Wrigley Field
Since 1914, Wrigley Field has anchored Chicago’s North Side. The ballpark first opened as Weeghman Park, then carried the name Cubs Park from 1920 to 1926, before officially becoming Wrigley Field in 1927.
As the oldest standing National League ballpark in continuous use, Wrigley carries a historic weight few stadiums can match. The Friendly Confine’s magic comes from its timeless details that have endured for more than a century.
The hand‑operated scoreboard still rises above center field, a working relic from another era. One of baseball’s most iconic visuals, the ivy‑covered brick outfield walls change colors with the seasons.
Wrigley Field Tours take you into the stories hiding behind the scoreboard, the ivy, and the dugout steps. Go behind-the-scenes of the iconic ballpark and see areas like the press box, visitors’ clubhouse, and even a walk on the field itself.
Around Wrigley Field
Game day spills into the streets in Wrigleyville — bars fill early, jerseys crowd the sidewalks, and the first pitch sets the tone for the entire neighborhood. Find out where to eat and stay when you’re in town for a Cubs game.
Where to eat
From tacos and barbecue to Mediterranean plates and Asian specialties, here are the neighborhood favorites that bring big flavor before, during, or after the game.
Big Star Wrigleyville: Enjoy honky‑tonk energy with street tacos, top‑shelf margaritas, and a sprawling indoor‑outdoor space that keeps the party going long after the final out.
Swift & Sons Tavern and Oyster Bar: Reimagined tavern favorites take the spotlight at this stylish restaurant known for fresh oysters and classic American comfort food.
HVAC Pub Chicago: Crank up game day fun with bold pizzas, cold drinks, and live tunes in a dynamic two‑story venue only a stone’s throw from the ballpark.
Ella Elli: Enjoy a more upscale experience, featuring shareable Mediterranean-inspired dishes paired with polished cocktails.
Konbini & Kanpai: Explore Japanese street food in a casual setting, from small bites to stacked sandos and rice bowls, alongside a lineup of sakes, cocktails, and other sips.
Smoke Daddy: Keep the good times rolling with slow‑smoked barbecue, signature sauces, and live music in an easygoing, family‑friendly spot.
Home Away From Home: Celebrate pre-game or post-game with comfort‑driven dishes and crowd-pleasing drinks in a laid‑back atmosphere.
Rendang Republic: Savor Indonesian flavor with rendang — beef cooked low and slow in coconut milk and spices until it’s intensely savory — plus a menu of flavorful homestyle plates.
Check out more restaurants and bars in Wrigleyville.
Where to stay
For easy game access, book a stay near Wrigley Field. Hotel Zachary at Gallagher Wayputs you right across from the ballpark with chic rooms and front‑row views of the historic ballpark. This boutique hotel combines contemporary design with architectural nods to Zachary Taylor Davis, the visionary behind the ballpark itself.
In Lakeview, award-winning Hotel Verseyturns up the volume on creativity with its playful aesthetic, celebrating the community’s music and art scene, just a quick hop from Wrigleyville.
Find more places to stay in and around Wrigleyville.
Getting to Wrigley Field
Find yourself swept into a sea of blue pinstripes and pure baseball joy as you make your way toward Wrigley Field, where every street corner is buzzing with game‑day magic.
By CTA: The Red Line’s Addison stop is only steps away from the ballpark. Several bus routes also make the trip simple: the #22 Clark, #152 Addison, and #8 Halsted all pass through the neighborhood, with extra #152 service added around game time. Learn more about CTA Service to Wrigley Field.
By bike: The Cubs provides free bike valet, located in the alley just east of the Addison Red Line entrance. The valet opens three hours before first pitch and stays running until an hour after the game wraps up. There are also Divvy bike stations surrounding the ballpark.
By rideshare: Rideshare pick‑ups and drop‑offs are limited to designated zones around Wrigley Field on game and event days. These zones are on Addison between Broadway and Halsted, as well as on Irving Park between Clark and Seminary.
By car: Parking options are all cashless and available to reserve ahead of time through SpotHero. For night and weekend games, visitors can use the remote lot at 3900 N. Rockwell St., which includes a complimentary shuttle running to and from Wrigley Field before and after the game.
Get more details on how to get to Wrigley Field.
