Whether you’re soaking in the ivy-covered charm for the first time or you’re a seasoned Chicago Cubs supporter, knowing the ins and outs of Wrigley Field is key to an unforgettable game day. This comprehensive Wrigley Field Seating Guide, crafted by fans for fans, will navigate you through every nook and cranny of this iconic ballpark, ensuring you find the ideal spot to cheer on the Cubbies. Updated for the 2024 season, this guide is your ultimate resource to experiencing the Friendly Confines like a true local.
Have insider tips of your own? Share your recommendations in the comments below and help fellow fans make the most of their Wrigley Field visit!
Wrigley Field: Quick Facts for First-Timers
Before we dive into the best seats, let’s cover some essential Wrigley Field facts:
- Address: 1060 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60613 – your GPS destination for game day.
- Opening Day: April 23, 1914. Originally named Weeghman Park, it hosted the Chicago Federals.
- 1920: Renamed “Cubs Park” after the Wrigley family acquired the team.
- 1926: Officially became “Wrigley Field,” honoring Cubs owner William Wrigley Jr.
- Second-oldest MLB ballpark, just behind Fenway Park.
- Official Capacity: 41,649 passionate fans.
- Outfield Dimensions (2023):
- Left Field: 355 feet
- Left-Center Field: 368 feet
- Center Field: 400 feet
- Right-Center Field: 368 feet
- Right Field: 353 feet
- Wall Height: 11.5 feet (bleachers), 15 feet (corners/foul poles). Those ivy-covered walls are higher than they look!
Getting To Wrigley: Parking and Public Transportation
Navigating Wrigleyville on game day requires a plan. Here’s your guide to parking and public transit near Wrigley Field:
Parking Options:
Securing a parking spot near Wrigley Field can be competitive, especially for popular games. Pre-booking your parking is highly recommended. The Cubs partner with SpotHero, offering guaranteed parking near Wrigley Field. You can reserve your spot in advance here.
For a more budget-friendly option, the Cubs offer free remote parking at 3900 N. Rockwell St., accessible from Irving Park Road. This option is available for night and weekend games and includes a complimentary shuttle service directly to and from Wrigley Field. Shuttles run from two hours before the first pitch until approximately one hour after the game ends, with drop-off and pick-up on Irving Park Road between Clark Street and Seminary Avenue.
The Cubs also support these parking lots on game days, primarily for season ticket holders but potentially with game-day availability:
- Toyota Camry Lot: 1126 W. Grace St. Chicago, IL 60613 (Season Parking Holders, Game Day).
- Toyota RAV4 Lot: 1140 W. Eddy St. Chicago, IL 60613 (Season Parking Holders).
- Irving Park Lot: 1052 Irving Park Rd. Chicago, IL 60613 (Season Parking Holders, Combo, Game Day).
Public Transit:
Chicago’s excellent public transit system makes getting to Wrigley Field convenient from anywhere in the city.
- From LaSalle St. Station (CTA): Exit onto Van Buren and take the Brown Line elevated train north to Fullerton. Transfer to the Red Line north to Addison.
- From Midway Airport (CTA): Take the Orange Line train eastbound to Lake/State. Transfer to the Red Line northbound (Howard/Dan Ryan) and get off at the Addison stop. Wrigley Field is one block west.
- From Ogilvie Transportation Center: Exit onto Washington and take bus No. 20 or No. 56 Milwaukee east to State and Washington. Transfer to the Red Line northbound to Addison.
- From O’Hare Airport (CTA): Take the Blue Line train to the Addison stop. Transfer to the CTA No. 152 eastbound bus which stops at Wrigley Field.
- From Union Station (CTA): Take bus No. 1 Indiana/Hyde Park or No. 151 Sheridan to Jackson/State subway station. Transfer to the Red Line northbound to the Addison stop, one block from Wrigley Field.
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also readily available, and bike parking is available for cyclists. Find more detailed transportation information here.
Decoding the Seating Chart: Best Seats and Gates at Wrigley Field
Understanding the Wrigley Field seating chart is crucial for picking the perfect tickets. Here’s a breakdown of seating options and gate locations:
Wrigley Field Gate Locations:
- Marquee Gate (formerly Gate F): Addison and Clark streets – a classic entrance.
- Gallagher Way Gate (formerly Gate H): Clark Street (west side) – convenient for Wrigleyville pre-game activities.
- Horizon Left Field Gate (formerly Gate K): Waveland Avenue (northwest side) – access for left field seating.
- Budweiser Bleacher Gate: Sheffield and Waveland avenues – your gateway to the bleacher experience.
- Wintrust Right Field Gate (formerly Gate D): Addison Street (southeast side) – right field entrance.
- C.D. Peacock Premier Entrance: Clark Street (west side) – premium entrance.
Choosing Your Seats: A Wrigley Field Seating Guide by Section
Wrigley Field’s charm comes with its quirks. Not all seats are created equal due to its historic structure. However, this also means unique perspectives and seating sections with distinct personalities. To get a visual idea of your potential view, SeatGeek’s “View-from-Seat tool” is invaluable: SeatGeek Wrigley Field.
Important Seating Notes: The Cubs’ dugout is on the third-base side, visitor’s on the first-base side. All restrooms are on the ground level.
- Obstructed View Seats: Found mainly in Terrace Reserved and Upper Deck Reserved sections. Beams and overhangs can obstruct your view. Check seat maps carefully when purchasing if view obstruction is a concern.
- Wrigley Rooftops: For groups and events, Wrigley Rooftops offer a suite-like experience with food and drinks. Note: these are external venues outside the ballpark itself. Wrigley Rooftops.
- The Bleachers: A Wrigley Field institution! Home to the most passionate Cubs fans, the bleachers are a must-experience section, known for home run balls and lively atmosphere.
- Suites: Renovated as part of the 1060 Project, Wrigley Field suites offer a premium experience. Season suites are available, but single-game suites can be booked via SuiteHop: SuiteHop Wrigley Field Suites.
- Other Popular Seating Areas: Seats along the foul lines in left and right field are highly sought after. Behind home plate offers classic, premium views (expect higher ticket prices). Upper-level seats can offer a broader perspective, but preferences vary. Avoid Aisle 4, Row 8, Seat 113 if you’re superstitious – that’s where the infamous Steve Bartman incident occurred. Steve Bartman Incident.
Wrigley Field Food: Must-Try Concessions
No Wrigley Field seating guide is complete without mentioning the food! Wrigley offers a wide range of concessions, from ballpark classics to Chicago specialties. For a deep dive, Eater Chicago’s guide is excellent: Eater Chicago Wrigley Field Food Guide.
Specialty Food Highlights:
- Garrett Popcorn: Chicago’s iconic popcorn brand, with all their signature flavors available throughout the ballpark, primarily on the first level. Garrett Popcorn Flavors.
- Hot Doug’s: Enjoy Hot Doug’s famous sausages in the bleachers. Rotating player-inspired creations are on the menu. (Bleacher tickets required, Bleacher Platform 14). Note: Vienna Beef sausages are used, not Doug Sohn’s original recipe.
- North Side Twist Pretzel: A Wrigley favorite – a massive 2-pound pretzel with chipotle honey mustard, beer cheddar cheese, and cinnamon frosting dips. Perfect for sharing (Blue W concession stand, sections 122-125).
- Vienna Beef Hot Dogs: The official hot dog of Wrigley Field. Get the classic Chicago-style dog experience (mustard, relish, onions, tomato, pickle, sport peppers, celery salt). Vienna Beef concession locations vary; check their website for updates: Vienna Beef Wrigley Field Locations.
Classic Ballpark Food Locations:
- Cheeseburgers: Third Base Classics (Aisle 110), Marquee Classics (Aisle 117), First Base Classics (Aisle 123), Upper Deck Classics (Aisles 309, 324).
- Chicken Tenders & Fries: Multiple locations including Left Field Classics (Aisle 105), Right Field Classics (Aisle 128), Upper Deck Classics (Aisles 309, 324), Waveland Grill (Lower Bleachers).
- Cubs Kids Meal: Left Field Classics (Aisle 105), Right Field Classics (Aisle 128), Upper Deck Classics (Aisles 309, 324).
- Hot Dogs: Widely available – Italian Grill, Waveland Grill, Red Line Grill (Lower Bleachers), Bleacher Bums (Upper Bleachers), Pizza Stands (Aisles 103, 129), and various “Classics” locations.
- Nachos: Left Field Classics (Aisle 105), Chicago Dog stands (Aisles 108, 115, 119), Marquee Classics (Aisle 117), Right Field Classics (Aisle 128), Vienna Beef Grill (Aisle 131), Upper Deck and Bleacher locations.
Dietary Options:
Wrigley Field offers options for various dietary needs:
- Gluten-Free: Hot dogs, hamburgers, Chicken Caesar Salad Pizza (select locations), Grab N Go Portable (Section 218).
- Kosher: Kosher Cart (Aisle 217).
- Vegan: Beyond Burger (without mayo/bun – select locations).
- Vegetarian: Veggie Dogs (Chicago Dogs, Bleacher Platform 14, Upper Deck portables).
Guests can also bring outside food (in clear bags/containers) for dietary reasons. For the most up-to-date food and beverage options, use the Concessions Guide in the MLB Ballpark app. Contact Fan Services (800-THE-CUBS or [email protected]) for further inquiries.
Best Bars and Drinks at Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field Bars:
While Wrigley Field has bar options inside, exploring the Wrigleyville bar scene before or after the game is a must. Wrigleyville Bars Guide.
- Murphy’s Bleachers: A legendary sports bar and Wrigleyville institution.
- The Dugout: Rooftop bar with Wrigley Field views, opens 4 hours pre-game.
- Rizzo’s Bar and Inn: Popular spot across from Wrigley, especially for day games.
- Lucky Dorr: Craft beer focused, collaborations with local breweries.
- Nisei Lounge: Wrigleyville’s oldest bar, a long-time fan favorite.
Beer Selection Inside Wrigley Field:
- Bud Light: Widely available across numerous concession stands and portable bars throughout the stadium.
- Corona: Beer & Wine stands and portable locations.
- Heineken: Beer & Wine stands and portable locations.
- Michelob Ultra: Beer & Wine stands, portable bars, and select food stands.
- Old Style: A Chicago classic, found at Beer & Wine stands, Red Line Grill, and portable locations.
Fan Favorites: Wrigley Field Experiences
Beyond the game itself, Wrigley Field offers unique fan experiences:
- Statues: Visit the statues of Cubs legends Ernie Banks, Harry Caray, and Billy Williams around the ballpark grounds.
- Kids Run the Bases: On Sunday day games, kids can run the bases post-game (free!).
- Bleacher Shenanigans: The bleachers are known for their unique fan culture and spontaneous events, from weddings to cup stacking records. Bleacher Wedding, Cup Stacking Record.
Wrigley Field FAQs: Your Game Day Questions Answered
Here are answers to common questions for Wrigley Field visitors. For a comprehensive guide, see the official Wrigley Field information guide: Wrigley Field Information Guide.
Q: Wrigley Field Ground Rules?
A: Wrigley Field specific ground rules include:
- Balls entering ivy on the bleacher wall are in play.
- Balls hitting the home run baskets or video screen and rebounding are in play.
- Catches can be made on the field tarp (“Rizzo Rule”). Rizzo Rule Video. Full ground rules: Wrigley Field Ground Rules.
Q: Can I watch Batting Practice?
A: Batting practice times vary and are team-dependent. Gates typically open 90 minutes before first pitch (2 hours for Opening Day, Saturdays, special occasions). Check team social media or MLB.com for daily schedules.
Q: Wrigley Field Bag Policy?
A: Bag restrictions are in place. Backpacks (including clear backpacks), hard-sided coolers, and bags larger than 16 x 16 x 8 inches are not allowed. Smaller bags (purses, wallets, drawstring bags, etc.) under 16 x 16 x 8 inches are permitted and subject to inspection. Medical and diaper bags are exceptions. Wrigley Field Security Policies. No bag storage available at Wrigley Field.
Q: Prohibited Items?
A: Prohibited items include alcohol, marijuana, weapons, professional camera equipment (without permits), offensive clothing, and items deemed unsafe. Wrigley Field Prohibited Items.
Q: Fan Interference Hotline?
A: Text “Friendly” to 773-207-2106 with your seat location and issue description. Contact Fan Services Booth (main concourse behind home plate) or call 800-THE-CUBS for emergencies.
Q: Wrigley Field Wi-Fi?
A: Free Wi-Fi (“XfinityWifi@Wrigley”) is available throughout Wrigley Field, but speed may be slower due to the stadium’s age.
Q: Accessibility Features?
A: Wrigley Field offers accessible parking, seating, assistive listening devices, first aid, and wheelchair services. Wrigley Field Accessibility Guide.
- Accessible Parking: Toyota Camry Lot (1126 W. Grace St.) – reserve in advance (800-THE-CUBS or [email protected]).
- Accessible Seating: Available throughout the ballpark, near elevators/ramps – purchase in advance.
- Assistive Listening Devices: Fan Services Booth (main concourse).
- First Aid: Behind home plate, main concourse.
- Wheelchair Service: Available at gates (first-come, first-served).
This Wrigley Field seating guide and fan information is continuously updated. We appreciate fan contributions to keep this guide the best resource for experiencing Wrigley Field!
Enjoy the game and your visit to the Friendly Confines!
Authored by Brandon Glick
Follow Brandon Glick on Twitter: UniquelyAlike
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