FanShot
4 months ago >by unretrofied93
Morning everyone,
I've tried and failed the past few times to make it to opening day at Wrigley, I'm embarrased to say I haven't been in the confines since the magical 2008 season. This year, after not taking a vacation in 10 months, friends and I have decided that this is it, we're doing it. We're flying in from all corners of the country to fullfil a mildly achievable dream of ours. Since none of us have attended an opening day game, we're looking for some info listed below. Any extra information or suggestions is greatly appreciated.
Pre-game activities/traditions such as morning activities in Wrigleyville on the 5th? Post-game activities? We're also attending the Saturday game, and since we haven't been in the area in years, is there any decent lodging located near by?
Again any helpful tips/rec's/advice is greatly appreciated and I'll see you guys April 5th!
Here's my take
I enjoy Opening Day and I think it was previously a tough ticket on first day of ticket sales. I am not sure if Opening Day is as difficult to get. But with the Theo-craze, you never know.
Pre-game activities/traditions such as morning activities in Wrigleyville on the 5th? - There are many, many bars in Wrigleyville and Opening Day starts early. A lot of new bars. Radio guys do their shows from some of the bars. Lately, I have opted for breakfast at Ann Sathers on Belmont or Uncommon Ground on Clark.
Post-game activities? - All those same bars.
We’re also attending the Saturday game, and since we haven’t been in the area in years, is there any decent lodging located near by?
- I don’t know of many hotels in the immediate area. I’d recommend staying down near Michigan Avenue and you can take the Red Line L to the game. On or near Michigan Avenue, you can get top flight hotels or a less expensive Best Western. And then your near all the downtown stuff to go see – Art Institute, Bill Goat Tavern (under Michigan Avenue), the Bean, etc.
RiskyBusiness - February 2, 2012
Last year
… Opening Day did not sell out until a couple of days before the game. Tickets should be fairly easy to come by, particularly since it’s a marquee price game vs. the Nationals.
OTOH, it’s likely to be Matt Garza vs. Stephen Strasburg. Nice pitching matchup.
Al Yellon - February 2, 2012
they didn't sell out at all, I bought my ticket for opening day 2011 at the box office 10 min before 1st pitch
magicblue - February 2, 2012
Interesting.
The game was listed as sold out a couple days before. But they probably had some returns from players/employees, like they do for most games. That’s probably what you bought.
Al Yellon - February 2, 2012
The BCB All-Purpose Visiting Wrigley Thread
A lot of information here. Not sure how up to date it all is, but a good place to start for general research.
Link
mph3 - February 2, 2012
well…not so much. I was thinking of another thread that I can’t find right now.
For opening day, I have breakfast at Kitsch’n, drinks at Sheffield’s, drinks at Murphy’s, eat lunch in the ballpark and then play the rest by ear.
mph3 - February 2, 2012
Has Sheffield's addressed its rat problem or is that part of the charm?
the nth - February 2, 2012
charm I guess
I stay in the main bar area by the beer taps.
mph3 - February 3, 2012
Lodging
The Best Western Hawthorne Terrace on Broadway near Addison is about 4 blocks from Wrigley Field. The Days Inn at Clark and Diversey is about a mile away, but it’s a little cheaper
100/night. City Suites is on Belmont near Sheffield. You could stay downtown as long as you can get to a Red Line train. It's a short ride to the ballpark. Has anyone stayed at the Sheffield House, on Sheffield Ave two blocks north of the ballpark? It's an old rooming house (originally called the Hotel Carlos) that once housed a number of Cubs and Bears players in the 30s and 40s. I stayed there about ten years ago--$50. Our “neighbor” was a guy who imbibed so much he could hardly make it up the stairs at night. An interesting experience. But don’t bring your wife there.FrostyMalt - February 2, 2012
Friends of mine
… have stayed at the Hawthorne Terrace and liked it. It’s relatively inexpensive and, as noted, probably the closest hotel of any kind to Wrigley.
Al Yellon - February 2, 2012
I've said before and I'll say again...
…stag downtown. Priceline a hotel for $80 and there’s a good chance you’ll get something nice. Then it’s a quick 20 minute red line to wrigley.
Last year ESPN was broadcasting from the stretch, if that’s important to you.
I’d definitely get into wrigley in time for opening ceremonies. It’s always fun to see.
cubswynn - February 2, 2012 via mobile
Also prepare for cold weather...
…no matter what the weather report says. It’ll be cold!
cubswynn - February 2, 2012 via mobile
It was 50 degrees and sunny in Chicago today.
It will probably be colder on April 5.
Al Yellon - February 2, 2012
Sad, but true.
Someone here (maybe you?) has suggested to bring one more layer than you think you’ll really need. That has been good advice. Brrr!
katie casey - February 2, 2012
How is this "slightly OT"??
Anyways… before I moved to Chicago, I’d always stay at the Days Inn on Diversey when I came up for Cubs games. It’s probably your best bet if you’re looking to stay hear the ballpark. That said, having lived here for awhile now… I would suggest that you stay somewhere downtown and just take the red line. You can probably pay the same amount of money as you would at the Days Inn and stay somewhere much nicer.
kanderber - February 3, 2012
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