Whether you’re going to your first Cubs game at Wrigley Field, or you’re a Cubs fan regular, it’s always a challenge to find cheap Chicago Cubs tickets. Actually, maybe “cheap” isn’t the right word. Cubs tix are often among the most expensive in baseball, so I’m here to help you find the best deal, and save money on your next visit to the Friendly Confines.

(Plenty more great Wrigley Field tips on this site…check out my complete seating guide, what you can eat at Wrigley, and this useful parking guide. More coming!)

Saving money on Cubs tickets takes some effort. You should plan ahead, know your ticket avenues, and be patient. I’m going to list all of your options for buying tickets here, and a few strategies to use, all of which have their own merits.

It’s a lot, so I’ll break this down for you.

The Chicago Cubs Website
The Wrigley Field Box Office
Third Party Sites
Ticket Agencies
Facebook Forums/Craigslist/Scalpers
Choose The Right Game + Opponent
Wait Till The Last Minute, Maybe
Use That Weather
Bring Your Friends
Use The Cheap Seats

So read through this post, know your options, plan ahead, and shop around. Let’s get started after this quick and applicable word from our sponsor…

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Unfortunately I can’t help you pay 2015 prices for Cubs tickets. But trust me anyway.

Cheap Chicago Cubs Tickets, Tip #1) The Cubs Website. The team website is your first and easiest option, but it’s not always the cheapest of course. The Cubs do not sell paper tickets; you’ll need the MLB Ballpark App to access them.

The Cubs apply “dynamic pricing” to ticket prices, meaning prices rise and drop by demand. They have a very nice virtual map of the ballpark on their site, and you can click on the seating and pricing chart to see ticket prices for every section.

When buying tickets, you can also enter the opponent you’d like to see, the section you’d like to sit in and the day of the week you can go, and the Cubs will show you all of your available options. This is quite helpful for reasons I’ll explain.

The most important advice I can give you for finding deals on Cubs tickets is to sign up for the Cubs’ ticket alert emails. The Cubs will let you know what day regular season tickets go on sale (a very important thing to know), and what sort of bargain nights they’ll have. In addition, if tickets for an upcoming game get released, you’ll be the first to know.

It doesn’t hurt to follow the team on Facebook or X (Twitter) either; sometimes the Cubs offer exclusive deals on X especially.

Or wherever you get your important news!

Knowing when tickets go on sale for the season is very useful…on occasion the Cubs will have pre-sales exclusive to email subscribers, where you can get high demand tickets at face value, which is often the best price for such games. Incidentally, the Cubs only accepted MasterCard for pre-sales in the past, so I would order one if you don’t have one.

Should I mention that you should already have an MLB account before you order? I didn’t think so. You can also order tickets by phone (!), but you’ll still be paying all of the fees.

One last piece of advice, and this applies to any outlet you use…always go all the way to the checkout screen to see what you’re really paying for Cubs tickets. There isn’t just fees, there’s a Chicago “entertainment tax” too (sigh), and the fees can be very different in the final price.

Even in the early days of Cubs baseball, there were “fees”.

Cheap Chicago Cubs Tickets, Tip #2) The Wrigley Field Box Office. If the Cubs box office is where it was in my last visit, it’s on Clark Street north of the iconic Wrigley marquee. As I write this, it’s open from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM on weekdays, and 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM on weekends. They also open two hours before each game.

You need a credit/debit card, no cash. Since tickets are paperless, the Cubs will be putting them on your Ballpark app. They’re very helpful and will show you how to do it.

The Cubs don’t charge the service fees at the box office, so if you’re going to pay face price you might as well try at the box office, especially when tickets first go on sale. It’s good if there’s still tickets left for a high demand game, but you’d do well to check the third parties first.

But remember, there will be fees with the third parties too. Compare with the Cubs website, and remember, go to the checkout screen on both. You will still pay that Chicago entertainment tax at the box office.

In other words, if you’re already at the ballpark, and the Cubs are offering the best or close to the best deal online for tickets, go to the box office rather than buying online. You’ll save yourself the considerable fees.

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Cheap Chicago Cubs Tickets, Tip #3) Third Party Sellers. The Cubs allow season ticket holders to sell their extras on SeatGeek, so in theory that should be the first third party site for you to try when searching for the best price on Cubs tickets.

In reality, you can find Cubs tickets on a variety of third party outlets like StubHub and Vivid Seats. My favorite is TickPick (full disclosure: they’re my affiliate), because you know up front what you’re paying for tickets and don’t get surprised by fees. (I’m like you…I intensely dislike ticket fees.)

Here’s a pro tip buying from third parties: remember bleacher seats are general admission (except in the postseason), so you don’t need to buy the exact quantity. If you’re looking for four tickets, try searching for the best deals on two or even one ticket and use a combination of them.

The policy of when third party sites must stop selling tickets changes frequently, but currently you can buy them right up until game time, which is the best time for great deals. I would check the policy though; sometimes it’s two hours before game time, and it’s been as much as five hours.

I’ll talk more about it in a bit, but buying as close to game time as possible is usually when you find the lowest prices on third party sites.

Remember, go to the checkout screen to see the actual price!

You can just call on the phone too.

Cheap Chicago Cubs Tickets, Tip #4) Wrigleyville Ticket Agencies. Ah, the ticket agencies…they were once a fixture in Wrigleyville. Many of them closed up their brick and mortar stores when Cubs tickets went electronic.

However, many of them are still selling Cubs tickets, and you might actually find some sweet deals through them. A few of them are: TicketsAlways (a.k.a. Box Office Tickets), Gold Coast Tickets, Ticket Chest, and Sitclose.

I reached out to a few of them to ask about their process these days. Steve Buzil at Sitclose got back to me and explained it. Sitclose carries a stock of tickets, and will put the tickets on your Ballpark app for you.

Buzil told me that this can actually be your best route for finding Cubs ticket deals…many of his clients are corporate entities who buy tickets in groups, so Sitclose has built a reputation that way. I’m not sure about the rest of the agencies, but Buzil assured me that Sitclose won’t be undersold, so there you go.

Serving Cubs fans since there were actual tickets!

Some of the agencies don’t sell tickets directly through their website, but if you’re looking for a deal, try calling Sitclose or another agency and see what they can do for you.

TicketsAlways (Box Office) also got back to me and said that they do set up a game day location near Rizzo’s bar, across from Gallagher Way. Again, if you have time, you can check with them and see what they offer; they told me they source tickets at wholesale prices, which could be a great deal.

Most of the agencies have their own websites, so if you’re using TickPick or another outlet in your search for tickets, and the seller has the agency’s name, check their website. I’ve read that some agencies will list their tickets on both outlets, but it will be cheaper on their own site.

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“Let me hear ya, who’s got tickets?”

Cheap Chicago Cubs Tickets, Tip #5) Facebook Forums, Scalpers, and Craigslist. There are in fact several Facebook groups where people unload their Cubs tickets. Here are a couple: Chicago Cubs Tickets *Verified Sellers*, and Chicago Cubs VIP Bleacher Season Tickets. They have thousands of members, who resell their season tickets without the fees.

I hope these folks don’t get mad at me for mentioning them in the same section as scalpers. I probably shouldn’t, since they do a lot to verify things. They seem very much like they simply want to help Cubs fans avoid the fees everyone hates. There’s many more forums, by the way, and you can search them.

You do have to join the groups and they’re private, which you would want obviously. So it might be better for frequent Wrigley attendees, which I wish I were.

“Look for the yellow ice cream truck. I’ll have my hat on backwards so you can find me.”

If you love the thrill of a non-guaranteed ticket, you might be able to score a great deal through scalpers or Craigslist. Wrigleyville isn’t crawling with aggressive scalpers like it once was, but I’m told they’re still out there. I’m guessing they can email you tickets or transfer them to you some other way.

Scalpers are tough here, but once the game starts they’ll likely drop the price. I know, I hate missing baseball too, but by about the third inning you can find a sweet deal. Not every game sells out, in case you are intercepted before you get to the ticket window and told as such.

I’ve written more about buying baseball tickets on Craigslist here; basically treat Craigslist sellers like you would scalpers. These days, I would have a backup plan in case the tickets have been voided somehow, which does happen to people, but there are plenty of legit sellers too.

The fewer tickets you’re looking for, the better; a single ticket is your best chance for a bargain.

Get ’em while they’re cold!

Cheap Chicago Cubs Tickets, Tip #6) Choose The Right Game + Opponent. I can’t stress this enough, dear baseball fans. It’s key to finding the best deal on Cubs tickets. The difference in average ticket price between high and low demand games can sometimes be in the hundreds of dollars.

If all you want is to see a Cubs game at Wrigley Field, don’t pick a game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago White Sox, Milwaukee Brewers or New York Yankees. Choose a game against the San Diego Padres, Colorado Rockies or another distant opponent whose fans don’t travel well. (Usually that’s any bad team, but there’s other factors.)

Similarly, it’s easier to find the deals on Cubs tickets during colder months, especially April, than it is for July and August games. Weekend games are in more demand than weekday games, but if you must go on a weekend, go for a Sunday. Most baseball travelers are gone by then.

A weeknight game in April against the Athletics can cost a third as much or even less as a summer weekend game against the Cardinals. Remember what I’ve told you about dynamic pricing. Even through the Cubs, picking the right game can save you a lot of cash.

Again, Rockies or Marlins over Cardinals or White Sox, weekdays over weekends, and April and May over July and August, if you can deal with the cold. (This is one reason the sunny bleachers are very popular here.)

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When you’re at this point, it’s pretty close to go time on getting tickets.

Cheap Chicago Cubs Tickets, Tip #7) Wait Till The Last Minute. This is a tip that a lot of Cubs fans will pass on to you; ticket prices for low demand games especially will drop as game time gets closer, especially on third party sites. If you’d like to see this phenomenon in action, check ticket prices starting a week out on TickPick, up until game time. You’ll see.

With so many ticket sellers having their own apps, you can literally just buy a ticket on your phone as you get off of the train at Addison Station. I saw a lot of Redditors recommend the Gametime app for this, I’ve never used it so I can’t say for myself. I still prefer TickPick but that’s me.

As valuable as this tip is, don’t go this route if a) the game is high demand and very important to you, b) you need a larger quantity of tickets, say more than four, or c) you want to sit in the bleachers. Remember the Wrigley bleachers are general admission and extremely popular. For a good seat you are looking at arriving three and a half hours before game time at the least. Not kidding.

Waiting till the last minute also probably affords you less time to shop around, but if you can, remember…go all the way to the checkout screen! (Have I said that enough?)

Note the absence of shade for bleacher seats. A key thing.

Cheap Chicago Cubs Tickets, Tip #8) Use That Weather. This one’s for locals, of course, or at least people within a couple hours of the ballpark (e.g. Brewers fans!). If you have flexibility, check for tickets on days where the weather doesn’t look great.

If you live there, I don’t need to tell you that Chicago weather isn’t always conducive to enjoying live baseball. But what that also means is that season ticket holders sometimes will unload tickets if the temps drop. Or, honestly, if the temps are through the roof in the summer, which does happen.

You can always duck out of the elements temporarily in the team store, the concourses or even the bathroom. (True…I found the men’s room at Wrigley to be an excellent place to warm up if you don’t mind the social discomfort).

Shoot for the bleachers on cold days, which face away from Lake Michigan wind. Or at least avoid the shaded seats. My complete guide to Wrigley Field seating should help here.

Heck, you might even find a season ticket that includes some club access very cheap.

Shout your Cubs fandom from the rooftops! (Just not the Wrigley rooftops.)

Cheap Chicago Cubs Tickets, Tip #9) Bring Your Friends. The Cubs offer sweet deals on group tickets. Best of all, you only need to find 14 friends or co-workers interested in going to a baseball game. If you can’t pull that off in Chicago, find a new place to work without such killjoys.

The Cubs include a group discount calendar on their website. You can choose the cheapest games of course, but best of all, (pay attention here) the Cubs waive the ticket fees! According to Megh, the nice Cubs rep that informed me of this, that works out to a discount of about $10 per ticket on average. If you can get 250 fans to go, they’ll even throw in tickets to a future game. Bet you weren’t expecting to learn how to get FREE Cubs tix here!

The Cubs’ newsletter (remember to sign up!) should tell you what discounts for groups are happening. Find out well in advance.

Incidentally, the Cubs will help you if you’re doing a Cubs game as a fundraiser too. They’ll donate $4 back to your organization for each ticket you sell through a dedicated link. It’s not technically a way to get cheap tickets, but it’s something to consider for your non-profit.

Unfortunately, the “amusement tax” is still included, but it can still be a heck of a deal.

If you just sit between those poles over there, you’ll be doing all right!

Cheap Chicago Cubs Tickets, Tip #10) Use The Cheap Seats. If you only care about getting into the ballpark, you can try SRO or seats on the outer edge of the upper deck. Not great seats of course, but they go cheap, especially for low demand games.

The Cubs sometimes offer steals on the cheap seats for low demand games (check your newsletter). Use the box office if you can and avoid the fees.

I don’t endorse people moving into seats that they haven’t paid for (even though I sometimes do it). But even if I did, Wrigley isn’t an easy place to improve your lie during the game. The ushers can be pretty tough from what I’ve read, especially in the lower level.

At the Friendly Confines, you’re never far from the action!

That said, for cheap seats, the Friendly Confines does offer some of the better views in MLB. You could sit at the top and not be as high as in Milwaukee or the South Side. Yes, the views tend to be not so great further into the outfield. But there’s far fewer acrophobia-level seats at Wrigley.

Other cheap seats at Wrigley include those infamous “obstructed view” seats…and there are ways to minimize that. Here’s some helpful tips.

The Cubs say that they will make a limited number of standing room tickets available on game day. You could try the box office early.

You’re in? Great! No need to thank me, it’s all in a day’s work for Ballpark E-Guides!

There you go friend, all my valuable advice for finding deals and saving money at your next Chicago Cubs game. Be sure to check out my complete guide to the Friendly Confines. By the way, I have a lot of tips for the White Sox ballpark too, if you’re out this way.

I hope this post saves you enough for at least a Wrigley hot dog at the concession stand. Please pass the word and support our sponsors, and thanks for reading!

(Note: this article contains affiliate links. If you use an affiliate link to make a purchase, Ballpark E-Guides earns a commission. This is at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!)

Here it is my friend: the complete, ultimate fan’s guide to the Wrigley Field food menu.

Read it well and read it often, because this is important! If a trip to the Friendly Confines is in your future plans, you’re going to want to sample Chicago-style dogs, local pizza and (not or, and) Italian beef. Or find cool nearby places and bring your own.

And of course, you’re going to want to tell your friends about the food in Chicago’s North Side ballpark.

Yes, I’m gonna talk about hot dogs. No worries.

Don’t skip anything, but if time is a factor, here’s your table of contents:

The Sheffield Counter Wrigley Field Restaurant
Yes, You’re In Chicago, Part 1: Chicago Dogs + Other Encased Meat
Yes, You’re In Chicago, Part 2: Local Pizza
Yes, You’re In Chicago, Part 3: Italian Beef
Chicken, Brisket, and Other Sandwiches
What About Burgers?
Fries, Nachos + Other Munchie Food at Wrigley Field
For Big Ass Cub Fan Appetites
Dessert At The Friendly Confines
Healthy Wrigley Field Food: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, + Kosher
Want To Save Money On Wrigley Field Food? Check Out This Tip!
And Yes, You Can Bring Your Own
New Wrigley Field Food For 2023

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The Attached Wrigley Field Restaurant

Because Wrigley has changed so much since my last visit, and time is a factor putting this out, I’m leaving an analysis of the new fancy clubs for a future post. You can read about them here on the Cubs website.

The Cubs seem to like the word “Corner” better these days, but the food doesn’t taste any different.

The Sheffield Corner restaurant is located at the end of the right field concourse, along Sheffield Avenue, and is open to anyone with a ticket. It’s a small sit down area with tables and window counters, so you can watch construction while you eat.

You can also order somewhat fancy chicken sandwiches, including the new Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich in 2022, cheeseburgers and dogs, Big Slugger nachos, and a healthier items like a vegan Sloppy Jane sandwich. The Big W Burger and Cuban Burger were available here in my last visit.

The Corner is open two hours before game time, but it does get packed, and you’ll be tight with your neighbor if you don’t arrive fairly early.

Yes, You’re In Chicago, Part 1: Chicago Hot Dogs

Hot dogs are Chicago, and Chicago is hot dogs. The Wrigley Field food menu includes them in all of the necessary forms:

Poppy seeds, grilled onions…this can really soften the blow of a Cubs defeat.

Chicago Dog kiosks are found in most all of the concourses, on both levels and on the Bleacher Patio. Chicago Dog has Vienna Beef franks or Polish sausages on poppy-seed buns, on which you can add a big pile of raw or grilled onions, chopped tomatoes, sport peppers, mustard, sauerkraut, celery salt and that bright green relish that make it a dog “dragged through the garden” as Chicago visitors call it.

Lines get long at Chicago Dog stands, and people scarf up the toppings, so you should hit one early. They might still be cash-only, so have some on hand. Chicago Dog used to carry bison dogs; there is a separate cart for that now (read on).

With a logo like this, you know it’s a great dog. (image courtesy of Hot Doug’s)

Hot Doug’s: “Hot Doug” Sohn was the owner of the most popular hot dog stand in Chicago–as in lines around the block popular. He became successful enough to retire, but the Cubs liked his unusual dogs enough to give him a stand in the bleacher section, behind the center field scoreboard. There you go; another reason to get a bleacher ticket at Wrigley, which is the only place you can order Hot Doug’s sausages. Lines get very long at this stand too, so jump on it early if you can.

Hot Doug’s famous dogs are sold in various forms named after Cubs’ greats, which they rotate for each homestand. For example, you might see the Tinker to Evers to Chance double play combination (Trivia question answer: Harry Steinfeldt.):

Joe Tinker: A veal saltimbocca sausage with crispy onions, sage mustard and Swiss cheese.

Johnny Evers: A jalapeño and Jack cheese pork sausage with caramelized onions, sweet and spicy mustard and more Jack cheese.

Frank Chance: A spicy Polish sausage topped with cilantro aioli, pico de gallo and Chihuahua cheese.

The logo features a three-legged bison…which is presumably easier to catch.

The High Plains Bison people are the Official Lean Meat of the Chicago Cubs, and they have separate carts at Wrigley that sell hot dogs, Italian sausages and brats made from lean bison meat. On your sausage you can get peppers, sweet onions and/or marinara.

The High Plains bison dog itself doesn’t taste very different from a classic dog except for a smokier flavor, and the meat is leaner and healthier, as they clearly state on this kiosk. I had one in my last trip and it was very good.

So why choose a bison dog? According to the High Plains website, bison offers 45% fewer calories than beef, 87% less fat, and 100% more iron. And of course, you have the option of getting one at Wrigley Field.

Nothing says smoked beef like a hand-operated scoreboard look.

Wrigley Field Smokies: I didn’t know this, but smoked sausages were a popular thing at Wrigley, so the Cubs brought them back. The Smokies cart sells hickory-smoked beef sausages with a secret blend of seasonings, and no artificial colors or flavorings. I don’t know how to describe a smoky flavor, but that is the selling point. Smokies are also made by Vienna Beef, and they’ve informed me that they offer them on their website for limited times.

The Smokies are slightly larger than the Wrigley dog and cost a bit more; you can get one with grilled onions and stuff. I don’t see them on the current Cubs menu, so if you can’t find the cart, you can probably order them at Chicago Dogs or another stand.

Well, the picture was cool.

Apparently, the Decade Dogs stand is unfortunately no more; it was another spot for unusual hot dogs that were named after the decades when such items were popular, like a 1970s “TV Dinner” dog. The Cubs fetched $1,000 for charity selling the sign. If you want unusual dogs, go for Hot Doug’s or the Sheffield Counter.

Here, I proudly display my own handiwork of dressing a dog Chicago-style. I get stingy with that neon green relish.

One last note about Wrigley Field hot dogs. If you buy a dog from a vendor as opposed to the concessions kiosks, the dog will be steamed coming from the vendor as opposed to grilled. Not that one is better than the other; the religion of Chicago dogs isn’t clear on the matter.

The vendor steamed hot dog is wrapped up and the roll can get good and mushy, which some folks (including myself) like. Still, you’re missing out on the whole dressing up of the hot dog this way—with a vendor you’re limited to mustard packets.

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Yes, You’re In Chicago, Part 2: Home Run Inn Pizza

The local favorite Home Run Inn Pizza is now the pizza of the Cubs; you can find it pretty much anywhere around the ballpark. In case you don’t know who Home Run Inn is, they’re a Chicago-based local chain with nine locations in the area, and they sell frozen pizzas as well.

They’re not deep dish, unfortunately, for reasons unknown the Cubs went with a thin crust purveyor. But Home Run Inn has been around since 1923, and in Chicago, you must be doing something right to stick around that long.

True, I don’t want to watch someone else eat this.

As a big fan of Giordano’s deep dish pies, I’m sorry to see they’re not featured at Wrigley anymore…but while the convenience of trying a deep dish pie at Wrigley was great, Giordano’s has an actual location just a few blocks away, with better selection of pizzas and toppings anyway. It’s just a 12 minute walk from Wrigley, and just steps from the Belmont Red Line Station.

I know it’s not on the Wrigley menu, but I liked the picture.

Yes, You’re In Chicago, Part 3: Italian Beef

Is it me, or does the sun shine brighter on Italian beef?
(photo courtesy of the Chicago Cubs)

For you non-Chicago natives, the Italian Beef is roast beef that is sliced thinly, slow cooked in au jus gravy and seasonings, and then dumped on a roll with hot pepper giardiniera if you like. It’s a little bit like a Philly cheesesteak, but different enough to make it a Chicago thing. You’ll need napkins for this one.

One thing, BTW, don’t call it an “Italian beef sandwich” in front of a native. Just Italian Beef.

Buona Beef is the official Italian Beef of the Cubs. Buona is a popular chain of about 17 restaurants, with an excellent diagram on their site about how to make an Italian beef sandwich. I trust them.

You can find the Italian beef at Bleacher Platform 14, and also at the Chicago Dogs and Marquee Grill stands.

A nearby and equally authentic authentic Italian beef. (photo courtesy of Al’s Italian Beef.)

Nothing against Buona, but if you’d like to try a true classic Italian beef, no need to go far… Al’s restaurant is just a short walk south on Clark Street. Lots more choices of toppings, and Al’s is a true vintage classic in Chicago. And I’m not just saying that because they let me use this photo.

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Order your caps, jerseys, and more now at MLBShop.com and save!

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Other Sandwiches: BBQ Chicken + Others

Nothing like leaving your teammate a Chick-Ago sandwich in the on-deck circle!
(photo courtesy of the Chicago Cubs)

Here’s a fun one…the Chick-Ago Sandwich. It’s pickle brined and seasoned chicken thighs with tempura sport peppers, vine ripe tomato chunks, and dill aioli on an onion roll with celery salt. Kind of like a Chicago Dog, but with chicken. I don’t know if the Cubs still offer this, but it might be in the Sheffield Corner if you look.

New in 2022 was a smoked brisket sandwich courtesy of Lillie’s Q; Lillie’s Q is another very popular chain of restaurants in Chicago and Florida, from chef Charlie McKenna. They’re known for zero sugar BBQ sauces, which sounds great, so I presume that’s available at a Cubs game too.

The Wrigley Field food menu also mentions an Italian seasoned grilled chicken sandwich with pesto aioli, and a crispy pork sandwich with breaded pork strips and toppings on a pretzel bun. A chance to go beyond a simple burger.

Speaking of Burgers…What About Burgers?

Chef Tony Mantuano designed this masterpiece. This is why the Chef Series was necessary.
(photo courtesy of the Chicago Cubs)

The fancy burgers recently available at Wrigley are no more…sorry to get your hopes up with this photo.

Various stands throughout Wrigley sell the aptly named Big W burger. It’s basic, simple, and American: a fresh beef patty with American and cheddar cheese, the classic burger topping triad of lettuce, tomato and onion, with secret sauce (something like Thousand Island dressing if I’m not mistaken, since Big Macs still sell). Get crinkle cut fries with it for the ideal American meal.

More on the Impossible Veggie Burger and gluten-free burgers in the Healthy Section…

Even More Wrigley Field Food: Fries, Nachos + Other Munch Foods

I remember when going disco was a bad thing. This rocks, pun intended.
(photo courtesy of the Chicago Cubs)

They don’t offer “Disco” fries anymore as far as I can tell, but the Cubs still have something on their menu called “Loaded Garlic Fries”. What they’re loaded with, the Cubs haven’t told me, but I’m guessing it’s similar to what’s in the photo. You can find them at a few stands including the Clark Street Grill.

There was more chili in it when I purchased it. Honest.

Here’s a picture of a Walking Taco from a Chicago ballpark. Well, okay, I took this one at a White Sox game. But it’s the same deal, a bag of Fritos with chili con carne, nacho cheese, pico de gallo and pickled jalapenos. Not the healthiest thing, but a cheaper and easy snack.

You can find ordinary nachos at Wrigley, including the soon-to-be-discussed Big Slugger Nachos, but if you like your nachos with different stuff piled on them, try the Italian beef nachos at Bleacher Bums. Of course, you need a bleacher ticket for that one…

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Popcorn so good, you’ll buy a seat for it! (photo courtesy of the Chicago Cubs)

Finally, Nuts on Clark has unfortunately departed, but Garrett’s gourmet popcorn is a more than adequate replacement. Garrett’s is the famous popcorn maker in Chicago…and you have to be pretty good to be famous for food in Chicago…and at Wrigley you have the choice of their Cheese Corn or Caramel Crisp. Or mix the two and put it in a souvenir Cubs tin!

Wrigley Field Eats For Big Ass Cub Fan Appetites

The dipping sauces alone could put strain on a marriage.

If you look around the Wrigley Field food stands, especially in the bleachers, you may come across the North Side Twist, Wrigley’s version of the 2-pound soft pretzel. This monster, served in a pizza box, comes with three different dipping sauces chipotle honey mustard, beer cheddar cheese and cinnamon cream. All of which work very well.

They’re not cheap, but it’s easily enough for two people. You should get here early if you want one, these do sell out on occasion.

Only if you have them in a batting helmet!

If you’ve got a nacho jones and/or are sharing, try a helmet of Big Slugger nachos…two pounds of nachos served in a helmet with a ridiculous amount of toppings, including ample salsa and jalapenos.

Two pounds is a lot of nachos, so be sure you can handle this for the cost.

In the past at the Italian Hot Spot stands I’ve seen a Big Cheese Rip-N-Dip, a large amount of focaccia bread covered with cheese and served with dipping sauces. I don’t know if it’s still around, but if you like dipping bread sticks this could be for you.

Dessert At A Cubs Game

“Don’t get any cookie crumbs on my scoreshee… Oh, Prairie City? Never mind.”

Prairie City Cookies are the Official Cookie of the Chicago Cubs, just in case you were wondering. They’ve also been the “Snack of The Day” on the Rachael Ray Show, an equally impressive achievement. You can get a couple of tasty cookies fairly cheaply for a ballpark.

Food stands everywhere offer dessert varieties; they have Oatly’s ice cream and several other sweet treats like lemon chills, licorice ropes and giant cookies. And on cold days you can get a hot chocolate. There’s also a frosty malt cup that has been a Wrigley staple for many years. It even inspired this blogger to make her own.

Do your part for the cows while you’re at Wrigley!
(photo courtesy of Oatly’s)

Speaking of Oatly’s, in case you haven’t heard of them and/or think it’s an odd name for ice cream, allow me to briefly explain…Oatly’s ice cream is made from oat milk, see, which makes it vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and a whole other lot of things healthier types like. I’ve tried it and it’s in fact very good…you won’t miss the dairyness, take it from me, and the Oatly’s people are good folks.

Wrigley Field not only has different styles of wine coolers and frozen drinks that lady Cub fans like (mai-tais, vodka lemonades, etc.), they also have ice cream in the souvenir helmet for you collectors. The helmet is not actual head-size, though, unless you have an extremely small head.

Healthy Wrigley Field Food: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, + Kosher

Impossible Veggie Burgers, best enjoyed from the Bartman Seat.
(photo courtesy of the Chicago Cubs)

The aforementioned Impossible Burger is a vegetarian burger with a plant-based vegan burger patty, topped with chipotle lime aioli, American cheese, lettuce and tomato on a brioche bun. Remove the cheese and it’s a vegan burger. It can be found in Left Field Classics, Right Field Classics, and at the Red Line Grill in the bleachers. Apparently they don’t want you near home plate with it. You can also get a Beyond Sausage at Wrigley too.

Would definitely assist in digesting the also-vegetarian Home Run Inn pizza or Garrett’s popcorn. You can also find that chopped salad in most fancier stands.

My celiac-afflicted then-girlfriend did not like Wrigley Field when I took her for a visit (astonishingly, I married her anyway). Maybe this will get her to go again: the Cubs have gluten-free dogs and burgers. Go to the Marquee Grill stand behind home plate and ask for one…according to this blogger, you should tell them to use gloves.

Celiacs can also go for veggie chopped salads, pistachios and gummy bears. You may also have some GF options at the Sheffield Corner. Redbridge gluten-free beer is sold at Wrigley.

The Cubs had sold kosher dogs at several stands, but in 2017 they installed a spot devoted exclusively to the art of kosher food. DanZtand is run by Danziger Kosher Midwest, a caterer based in Chicago. At their Wrigley outpost, you can get Romanian hot dogs, Romanian Polish (?) sausages, and pretzels, and presumably they would be available for Friday night or Saturday games.

Want To Save Money on Wrigley Field Food? #KillerTip

I felt truly empowered when I learned this.

Because you’ve stuck with me this long, I’m sharing a killer tip with you…

For the first hour that the gates are open at Wrigley, food and non-alcoholic drinks are 25% off their regular price at all of the non-kiosk stands. This includes the Sheffield Corner if you’re looking for something there, but it doesn’t include the fancier items, unfortunately. Still, 25% off anything is great at a ballpark.

The discount comes up automatically, no need to ask for it. Get your Home Run Inn pizza early, and then when the price returns to normal, get your fancy chicken sandwich on.

Speaking of saving money…

Yes, You Can Bring Your Own Grub

Subway subtly gives away the secret for thrifty fans…

It’s becoming more common knowledge now that you can bring your own food into ballparks, within reason. Here is the Cubs official policy: you can bring in a bag that is smaller than 16*16*8, which should be large enough to carry anything you need. Your bag will be searched, and anything that could contain alcohol or be used as a projectile will be removed.

So take advantage of that loophole and save a few bucks…I’ve offered up three places to fill up your goody bag here, but Wrigleyville has tons of other takeout joints, including McDonald’s, Subway, and vendors selling peanuts and water around the ballpark but especially at the Addison Red Line station.

I left the delivery phone number in the photo for you!

Coming from the north, you can get off the Red Line at the Sheridan station just a few blocks away from Wrigley and stop at Byron’s hot dogs, another classic Chicago dog joint. Get that Dogzilla half pound skinless beef hot dog with the Chicago fixin’s.

So thanks for hanging in there with me…oh, and since there’s some new stuff…

Wrigley Field Food Updates 2023 | New Chicago Cubs Eats

They would have added “crispy”, but then there wouldn’t be any space for “good to eat”, which is still the main selling point.

So the Cubs have updated the menu with some new items for 2023…thankfully the team doesn’t change the basics of the Wrigley Field food menu very often. Here’s what’s new to eat at Wrigley (unfortunately the Ballpark App doesn’t tell me where this stuff is, if I find out I’ll update this post):

Small Cheval Burgers. Another reason to sit in the bleachers in addition to Hot Doug’s…there is now a Small Cheval Burgers stand! Small Cheval is a retro burger joint with about a half dozen locations in Chicago, and they’re very basic with burgers and fries…which means, especially in Chicago, that they do it right.

The Crispy Chicken Bao Bun. This is a crispy chicken thigh covered with Thai chili sauce, baby arugula, cucumber and carrot on a bao bun. Good for healthier sorts, which we’re seeing more of these days.

Greek Loaded Fries. I’m all in on this at my next Cubs game: steak fries covered with gyro stuff, including meat, feta, Kalamata olives, tomatoes, red onions, pepperoncini, and feta cream sauce. Get your gyro and fries mixed together as nature intended!

The Burger Brat. This is a split bratwurst sausage on a brioche bun, loaded with brat-seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese, yellow mustard and sauerkraut. Goes well with beer I’m certain.

Crispy Chicken Torta. What’s with the Cubs and crispy chicken? Anyway, the Crispy Chicken Torta is a torta roll (surprise!) with Homestyle (as opposed to Awaystyle…snort) crispy chicken, mayo ancho cabbage and cotija cheese.

Quesabirria. I don’t know what this is, I’m just proud of being able to spell “Quesabirria”. Seriously, this is barbacoa, Spanish onions, and chihuahua cheese on a crispy flour tortilla, covered with ancho chili sauce.

One other note for 2023: in case you weren’t aware, Wrigley Field is cashless now (so much for the Chicago Dogs guys keeping the change)…so credit or debit cards or mobile apps are the only form of payment you can use. Personally I’m fine with this, so long as they don’t insist on my using my own credit card.

Hungry yet? Is that it? Wow, seems like I was just getting started!

There you have it my friends, your full Wrigley Field food menu analysis. Feel free to let me know if anything changes. If you’d like to know where to find any of these items, the Cubs have a listing here that you might be able to use for a while…

Be sure to check back for any changes, and share this with anyone planning a trip to Wrigley!

Interested in finding out more about the Friendly Confines? Click here to read my complete Wrigley Field Guide…and become an expert on finding deals on tickets, choosing a great seat, landing a parking spot and more!

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You’re right to search for info about Wrigley Field parking before you go. Being in a residential area…and being a ballpark built before the rise to prominence of the automobile…Wrigley parking can be difficult to find and expensive.

But Ballpark E-Guides never backs down from a challenge, and after doing a ridiculous amount of research, here is a page full of my best tips for getting to Wrigley by car.

Want to know everything you need to know for your next trip to the Friendly Confines? Check out this well-detailed and helpful guide to Wrigley Field!

Cardboard insert allows for quickly implemented price increases.

If you’re looking for the easiest way to get to a Cubs game, read this about the CTA. But if you’re driving, there are things you should know. Don’t be that guy that settles for a $50 spot and/or misses the first inning. Give yourself a chance to get some grub outside too.

First, I will try to briefly gloss over the traffic situation…after this quick word from our sponsor, with my most valuable bit of Wrigley Field parking advice:

Never drive to Wrigley Field without a plan…

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Driving to Wrigley Field? You Should Know This…

The Cubs’ website provides directions from all points, including from the airports, and in most cases they provide alternate routes. Even with these, though, you should allow a lot of time—just getting to the ballpark from I-90/94 on Addison can take almost an hour on game day.

Here are some of my own suggestions for alternate routes.

Alternate Route #1: I made a Chicago friend cringe sharing this route, so don’t tell anyone.

Coming south on I-94 before it merges with I-90, exit at Cicero (41C) and go south to Foster Avenue. Coming north on I-94, use the Foster exit (42), and then make a left onto Foster.

Go east on Foster—it becomes U.S. 41 after Lincoln Avenue. Take a right on Ashland Avenue, and then use Grace Street or a nearby cross street to get to Clark.

Four lane roads are better.

Alternate Route #2: Coming from Lake Shore Drive, the Cubs recommend using the Irving Park or Belmont Avenue exits, but these get bogged down too, so you can get off one exit early and use Fullerton Parkway coming north or Montrose going south.

From Montrose you can turn on Ashland and use it to get to Addison (you can also make a left onto Clark just before Ashland). Irving Park Road (IL-19), with four lanes, is said to not be as bad as Belmont, so it might be okay, but this is an alternative.

Named for famous Chicago native Irving Park.

Alternate Route #3 (for exiting): The city created an “offset centerline” on Irving Park Road making two lanes available westbound after the game; so this might be an easier route out than Addison if you’re returning to the interstate. (It’s a good idea to choose your parking spot accordingly for this, i.e. north of the ballpark.)

The general rule is that the streets west of the park (heading towards the Interstate) are the worst, so you’re better off trying to approach Wrigley from the north or south, and coming from the south is easier than from the north.

There are hotels near Wrigley that presumably would provide a parking space and save you the trouble of finding a spot, but you’ll pay a nice chunk of change for anything decent here. You’re better off staying downtown and using the Red Line to get to the game, or staying in Skokie and using the Yellow Line.

Finally, if you’re coming from out of town, you’ll probably have to pay some tolls; bring a lot of quarters if you don’t have a transponder, because not all of the booths have attendants.

OK, get all that? Now here are some of your Wrigley Field parking options, all of which have their merits…

Wrigley Field Parking – From The Cubs Themselves.

As I write this, the Cubs operate six official lots. The Brown Lot is a block south on Eddy Street, the Green lot is a couple of blocks north and the Irving Park lot is about four blocks north on Irving Park Road. You can buy passes online or call the Cubs to reserve a spot for most lots.

The Green Wrigley Field parking lot is only available for weekday games, demonstrating the pull that the Cubs really have in the city. It’s a couple of blocks away, but it’s been repaved recently and compared to most Cubs lots, it is a relatively easy in and out.

They always get me with those cones!

There are port-a-pots in the Cubs lots, but tailgating isn’t permitted. (So there shouldn’t be lines for them.) If you plan on partying in Wrigleyville after the game, try to find a lot that will allow you to stay longer; the Cubs require you to exit their lots two hours after the game ends.

Some people feel safer leaving their car in official team lots; I’m not knocking that, but I think you’ll be just fine using spots offered by your friendly neighborhood parking app. More on that in a bit.

(Wait…did I hear you say you want to park for free at Wrigley Field?)

Hey, you’re a bold fan. I like that! And apparently, so do the Cubs.

Notice the word “parking” is emphasized over both “express” and “bus”.

The team offers a free remote lot at 3900 N. Rockwell Street; it is just off of Irving Park Road a couple of miles west of the ballpark. Believe it or not, the Cubs provide a free shuttle service from here for night and weekend games; it starts 2.5 hours before the ballgame and runs for an hour afterwards, leaving every ten minutes or so which is nice.

So with the Cubs Express bus, and with the street parking available on weekdays (more on that in a bit), you can now park for free for pretty much any Cubs game. And this shuttle allows you easy access back on I-90/94, without having to navigate through much traffic.

One caveat though…it’s a very long line after the game, with thousands of other fans exiting the ballpark in other directions. Be ultra-mindful if you have kids with you.

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You have other options, too, but…

…with the Cubs apparently buying the entire North Side of Chicago, I’m not sure how many of these options remain as I write this. But here’s a few non-team sanctioned lots:

Murphy’s Bleachers has a small lot across the street from the bleachers entrance; it isn’t any cheaper but you can keep your car there if you’re partying at Murphy’s afterward.

The Red Top Parking lot is close to the bleachers and is said to be an easy out; but you will pay extra to avoid being parked in.

Wrigley parking, gyros, and outdoor dining…what’s not to like?

There is a small lot at Wrigleysville Dogs on Clark (yes, with an S); it’s a good spot to grab a quick cheap bite before the game.

Finally, South on Clark and Sheffield a few blocks from the ballpark, you can find parking that is a bit cheaper than the lots closest to the park; these lots are near many of the popular taverns (and Al’s Italian Beef!) and there are cheaper souvenir stands nearby.

Whatever your plan, if you are coming to Wrigley by car, you’d be very wise to book your parking beforehand. Don’t trust someone just because they’re wearing an orange smock (that’s a popular scam).

Fortunately for you, there are quite a few enterprising folks who will help arrange things for you…

Pass holders. At Wrigley Field you want to be one of those.

Give thanks for prepaid parking!

SpotHero, for example, is like StubHub for parking spots; it’s located in several tough-to-park-in cities like Chicago. With SpotHero, people that own spots near the ballpark offer them to Cubs fans online. Select a game, choose from a selection of spots, print out your reservation and set your GPS.

One very nice thing about SpotHero is that you can read reviews of spots before booking them; they will often tell you if a spot is an easy out or if it’s near a favorite Wrigleyville establishment.

You can’t avoid trusting a logo like this.

Cub Parking. The guys at Cub Parking have made arrangements with people who have been selling spaces near Wrigley since before they were born. You can book a spot online and they will actually greet you there most times and direct you to your spot.

You’ll pay a premium price for closer spots, but you won’t be blocked in, and you can keep your keys and leave anytime. Cub Parking offers overnight parking (which can be a boon in Wrigleyville).

As owner Nick Napoli told me in an interview (click here if you’d like to read it, it’s very informative), it’s nice to park for free and get a ride from the Cubs, but with Cub Parking you won’t have to wait for a bus and pile onto it with other eager Cubs fans. He’s got a point…standing on buses isn’t fun.

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NO, it’s not free just because you don’t see someone sitting there.

Did you say something about “free street parking at Wrigley”?

I knew that was going to distract you. OK, here’s what I know…and again, keep in mind that these rules can change.

Wrigleyville is a residential area, meaning that if you don’t have a permit sticker on your car and you park in the wrong place, your car will be towed.

But there are quite a few free spaces on nearby side streets, a short distance away for weekday games when everyone is at work and many games are still scheduled. You can use these and hoof it or take a train or bus to the park.

Look for the 383 zone sign:

As long as you’re not partying here after a day game, the locals are good with it.

Generally, if you look around the side streets off of Clark Street or Waveland Avenue north and west of the park, you should see plenty of these. The signs will clearly say what you cannot do; if they don’t say you can’t park there during the day, you should be fine.

For day games if you are early enough (say, 3-4 hours before first pitch) you can grab one of these and park just a couple of blocks away for free; the only drawback is that you will need to be out of there by 6:00 PM (or maybe 5:00), so you can’t party in Wrigleyville too long. It’s a good idea to remember the address where you parked.

I’ve also read that there is free street parking on Clark Street north of Irving Park Road, if you don’t mind at least a four block walk (past Wrigleysville Dogs, incidentally), and east of the Graceland cemetery on Kenmore there are street spots.

“1060 West Addison? That’s Wrigley Field!”

If you’re coming off I-90/94 at Addison Street and you’d rather not fight traffic the whole way, there are side streets along Addison with spaces available, and many of them within a mile of Wrigley have no restrictions. In some spots you can park right on Addison. Just be sure to check parking regulations carefully.

If you’re too tired after the game for the walk back, hop on the #152 Addison Street bus. But remember where you left your car.

The city of Chicago recently doubled the price of meters for Cubs games, so it really likely isn’t worth it at $4 per hour for metered spots. You might as well find a closer lot.

“I’ll see you on the Dark Side of the Red Line…” (photo courtesy of Reggies Live.)

One More Thing for You Cubs Fan Rockers…

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the Reggies Rock Bus. Reggies Live is a popular music club closer to the South Side; they offer packages for Cubs (and White Sox) games that include a bleacher ticket, a pre-game buffet, and a ride to the game on their wicked cool looking Rock Bus. All at a very reasonable price.

Reggies is on State Street close to the Red Line Chinatown Station; there is metered street parking nearby. Even including the parking cost it’s a great deal, and Reggies is a happening live music joint. Great for rocker Cub fans. (And isn’t that all of us?)

You can get closer, but it’s not a bad walk.

A Short Summary of Wrigley Field Parking.

When I go to a game at Wrigley, I usually use the CTA…it’s cheaper than most parking and much easier than dealing with traffic. But there are cases when you might want to drive…and it’s often preferable to being on a packed train.

If you take away one key tip for Wrigley Field parking, it’s this: book your parking ahead of time. The free parking options are nice, but you’ll either be riding a crowded bus or risking having to leave an extra-inning or rain delayed contest early. And you paid for nine innings!

Want to know more about the Friendly Confines? Check out my complete guide to Wrigley Field!

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Search no more…this is your complete Wrigley Field seating guide, with all the info you need…including about avoiding obstructed views to how to truly do the bleachers. I’m here to help you find the best seats at Wrigley Field, whatever your budget size!

As much as I love Wrigley, I wish I’d read what you’re about to read before I went to my first few games there. Your choice of seat definitely matters at the Friendly Confines, for reasons like proximity to Wrigley Field food stuffs, Chicago weather, and the best unobstructed view.

Apologies for any dated photos…it’s been a little while since I’ve been to Wrigley. But to the best of my knowledge, all the info here is up to date. BTW, if you need more Wrigley help, check out my complete Wrigley Field guide!

Even this seat isn’t so bad, but I’ll help you pick out a better one.

Here it is by section:

The Cubs Seating Chart – New Section And Seat Numbering
Wrigley Field Lower Level Seating – Premium, Club, Field and Terrace Seats
Wrigley Field Upper Level Seating – Upper Box and Reserved
Avoiding Obstructed Views at Wrigley
Home Of The Bums: The Wrigley Field Bleachers
Wrigley Field Standing Room Options
Finding Shade, And Other Stuff About Wrigley Field Seating

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2015, I know. But it’s only obsolete if you squint to see the section numbers.

The Cubs Seating Chart – New Section And Seat Numbering

The Cubs website has their perfectly nice seating map, which when buying tickets shows you some nice views.

The Cubs have recently reconfigured the seat and section numbering at Wrigley, and this is a good thing.

The bleachers are now the 500 sections instead of 300, and the 400 and 500 upper levels are now the 300 and 400 levels, respectively. The Cubs’ comical reasoning for this was that people don’t fully appreciate the excellent view from the now 300 level. Certainly a lower first digit will convince the masses otherwise.

I’m joking. The 300 level seats truly are excellent, and are among the best upper level seats in baseball. But they aren’t any closer with the new section numbers.

A hundred years ago, seat numbering like this seemed like a good idea. Don’t knock them – our generation contributed the DH.

With the new seat numbering, it’s now a low number at one end of a row and a high number at the other end. As you would expect. It definitely makes the seating much less confusing, especially without having seat 15 next to seat 115 in a row. Never understood that.

Protective glass panels for the benefit of first row patrons only.

Wrigley Field Seating, Lower Level – Premium, Club, Field and Terrace

The American Airlines 1914 Club seats are the first three rows in Sections 13-22; the recently added Bullpen Box seats and Maker’s Mark Barrel Room seats are on the outer side of both teams’ dugouts. All of these go for a very premium price and include high end club access. If you have to ask the price…

These seats are so close to the action that you may hear dugout conversations (although ballplayers don’t usually say anything interesting). They are also so expensive that they are not likely to attract those who offer discouragement to opposing players; but should you be so inclined, the visiting team dugout is on the first base side.

Club seats no longer offer a sporty view of the bullpen. Nor do any other seats.

Club Box seats are the rest of the seats behind the 1914 and Bullpen Box sections. Club Box seats are more expensive between the bases, but are next to the field once you get past the Bullpen Box seats.

Club and Field Box seats heading down the foul lines begin to rise along the outfield wall; this can cause you to miss balls hit in areas close to you (which isn’t a big deal). Club Box seats are turned towards home plate as you get further out though, sparing you neck strain.

The dark, ominous Bartman Seat.

I’m hearing your question. Where’s the Steve Bartman Seat?

Wikipedia says that the “Steve Bartman seat”, with the new seating configuration, is Section 2, Row 8, Seat 108. Except that the new Wrigley section numbering doesn’t have a Section 2, and plugging in the old seat number here doesn’t work either.

So quit wasting your time on Wikipedia, since this site is far more informative. If you want to sit in the Bartman seat, just go to Section 3 and ask. Every usher can point you right to it.

Even ushers can be distracted with a view this close.

Field Box seats are behind Club Box seats. Again, infield Field Box seats are costlier, significantly so for prime games, but the difference isn’t large for value games.

Field Boxes are separated from the Club Boxes by a walkway; in the first couple of rows this means you will have foot traffic in front of you. It’s not likely to be a big problem once the game gets going, but in early innings it can be annoying. Otherwise though, Field Box sections are great seats – close enough to the action without the “Friends of the Ricketts” price tag.

Lots of empty seats…they must be playing Miami.

The Terrace is behind the Field Box seats. There is a walkway between the sections, but Terrace seats are elevated to help patrons see over pedestrians. Terrace Box seats are the first five rows; these are in front of the support poles and thusly are safe from obstructed views.

Most all Terrace Reserved sections are in the shade of the upper deck, which can be a good or bad thing here…bring a jacket. Only the seats down at the end of the foul lines are out in the open.

Terrace Reserved seats also risk being close to a support pole, causing the dreaded obstructed view. Stay tuned for how to avoid that.

The support poles are your friend!

Wrigley Field Seating, Upper Level – Upper Box and Reserved

Upper Box (300 level) seats are close to the field and offer a terrific bird’s eye view; many folks prefer these seats to Terrace Box seats (and they are priced nearly the same).

The press box at Wrigley is behind home plate, so there are no Upper Reserved seats there, but the eight rows of seats in front of them are a primo Wrigley Field seating choice. These are also convenient to the upper deck food court pavilion, although the Cubs have greatly improved the upper concourse situation.

Look at it this way…the 2nd baseman can’t see you either!

Upper Reserved (400 level) seats also have the problem of support poles; in this case poles hold up a roof that protects patrons from the sun and rain. Upper Reserved only has nine rows, so in Row 9 you will be all the way at the top and almost leaning against that outside fence.

The Upper Reserved sections are elevated, but there is still foot traffic in front of the first row, which can be very distracting as patrons snap photos and chat and Instagram themselves at Wrigley while you’re actually trying to watch the game. You may want to avoid Row 1 of Upper Reserved.

Almost close enough to grab a beer from rooftop patrons.

Some more notes about the upper level. Past the bases, seating is not angled towards home, so the furthest seats require a minor neck twist—although they do offer great bleachers and Rooftop people-watching.

Word of advice here…getting to the upper level requires a long trek up several ramps (which are behind the Terrace seats) and up steep steps with no railing to get to your seat. This can be tough on the elderly and less fit among us, especially after the game when everyone is leaving. There are elevators, but getting to your Upper Reserved seats can still be rough.

Clearly, the Cubs are aware that male Cubs fans can’t last eight poles to the bathroom.

There are restrooms on the upper level, despite the horror stories some might tell you about there being none. From the walkway in the stands, if you look up you’ll see directional signs for them.

The heated restrooms, by the way, are a good place to spend a few minutes warming up on a cold Chicago evening if you can handle the social awkwardness. There are also TVs hung from the rafters in the upper level, to keep you posted on anything you might miss.

Buy a Cubs ticket to see solid ballpark construction up close!

Avoiding Obstructed Views at Wrigley

You can get really scientific about how to avoid obstructed views at Wrigley Field, but here are some basic tips.

Terrace Reserved and Upper Reserved sections have support poles in front of them, which explains their lower price compared to the rest of the Wrigley Field seating bowl. The worst seats have “limited view” marked on the ticket, but the Cubs have a high standard for this, and the seat has to be really bad.

The Cubs also sell what they call “Terrace Reserved Preferred” seats, which are less likely to have a view problem, for a few extra bucks.

Ah, that’s the trick…get between the poles!

In most Terrace sections, there are 23 rows. The pole is usually at Row 6, although they are in higher numbered rows in the sections towards the outfield (where you should just shoot for a low row).

Except for down the third base line in Sections 210-215, the poles are at the end of section, so seats that are numbered between 5-12 or so should be an okay bet. In Sections 210-215, try to get low numbered seats, especially in Sections 212-213.

If all of that is too complicated, go for something between the 10th and 15th row, where the pole isn’t likely to be much of a big deal and you can still see the video boards.

No need to see planes flying overhead in baseball.

Similarly, in the upper level, the support poles are in the first row of the Upper Reserved sections, at the end of a section. Try to avoid low-numbered, low row seats…not just to avoid the pole, but also to avoid the aforementioned foot traffic.

Again, there are only nine rows in the upper reserved sections, so chances are that there will be a pole in your sight somewhere. But with the angle of the seats, it’s usually not bad unless you’re in the first few rows directly behind them. It gets worse in outer sections, however, and you may want a seat in a higher row just in case.

No, I didn’t photoshop that scoreboard into this picture. It was really there.

Aside from support poles, the highest rows in Terrace Reserved, starting at about Row 16, have the overhang blocking views of the outfield scoreboards, including the hand-operated scoreboard, which is one of the more striking visual aspects of Wrigley Field.

There is a mini scoreboard with vital info, and the Cubs have put TVs in the rafters in case you miss anything, so it’s not all bad. But given the choice, an upper level seat would likely be a better option, especially if it’s your first time at the Friendly Confines.

Never drive to Wrigley Field without a plan…

Book your Cubs parking spot now with SpotHero!

Click here to book parking for your next Cubs game now!

Featuring the inebriated fan-catching net, to prevent broken bones and other game-delaying mishaps.

Home Of The Bums: The Wrigley Field Bleachers

The Wrigley Field Bleachers used to be the most inexpensive seats in the park and were packed with the venerable “Bleacher Bums”. Neither is the case anymore, but even at the inflated prices the Bleachers are still the only place to be for many fans.

The Bleacher experience can be a blast or an annoyance depending on your mindset, but there’s unquestionably no baseball experience like it. There’s a few things you should know:

Another reason to bring sunscreen and a cushion.

Pick Your Seat On Game Day – When I say “get here early to pick a seat”, it has a different meaning at Wrigley. For a good spot you are looking at arriving three and a half hours before gametime at the least. People get in line very early, and the first seats to be taken are the front rows of the left field seats, where folks scramble for souvenirs during batting practice.

Sneaky Pro Tip: Speaking of souvenir baseballs, if you’re looking to snag some, try looking under seats as soon as you get in to see if any have already been hit there.

Still laughing at the folks in the previous picture? Who’s laughing now!

If you can’t land these, at least stay away from the Batter’s Eye in center field, lest you lose a portion of the field to the protruding restaurant.

Aisle seats make going for a dog or a brew a little easier. For the most part, fans will gladly keep an eye on your seat during the game, provided you aren’t rooting for the other team.

Once the bleachers are full, it becomes SRO for late arrivals. The Cubs reportedly sell more tickets than there are seats for prime games, but if you get there late ask an usher if there are any seats available. You might be surprised.

Keep this in mind in October: there are heaters under the scoreboard in center field.

With numbered seats for those occasional Cubs playoff runs!

Bring A Cushion – Bleacher seats are metal and backless, meaning you could be sharing your seat with your neighbor’s cheek, and you should bring a cushion on a cold day (actually, it’s not a bad idea anytime).

I don’t have anything to add here.

Consider Your Fellow Fans – The bleachers are often full of hardcore party animals; meaning some people drink more than they should and do and say things that they shouldn’t. It may not always be the best place for kids, especially on weekends. Fans wearing opposing teams’ gear will take good-natured abuse at the least.

FORBIDDEN! Well, okay, maybe an opposing home run ball. Or an opposing team fan. But otherwise FORBIDDEN!

If you catch a home run hit by the other team, just throw it back. It’s not worth the souvenir. (Some fans keep an additional ball in their pocket to throw back just in case.)

Well, you have a nice view of the people sitting in front of you, anyway.

Wrigley Field Standing Room Options

The Cubs say that they make a limited number of standing room tickets available on game day, which doesn’t say much. Wrigley isn’t a great place to have a standing room ticket anyway; the lower concourse area is behind the high rows of Terrace Reserved seats that have overhang view problems to begin with.

The ushers will be pretty strict about keeping you in the SRO area. Your best bet, speaking from my own experience, is the pavilion space under the press box, which features as nice a view as the Upper Box, almost.

It wouldn’t be too bad if you could bring a barcalounger.

There is also some standing room space on the outer edges of the upper level that isn’t terrible (some Cubs fan friends of mine tell me they love it), but it’s far from home plate and there’s nothing to lean on. Or you could try the new party areas in the bleachers (you’ll need a Bleacher ticket for that).

Wrigley is one of the tougher ballparks to poach a seat; you won’t have an easy time getting past ushers here. Chances are good you’ll get caught unless you occupy a vacant seat after the 7th inning stretch. You likely won’t get ejected, just thrown back into the concourse. But that’s embarrassing enough.

In an early April evening, some savvy Cubs fans choose the “sun” spot.

Finding Shade And Other Stuff About Wrigley Field Seating

No Chicago native needs to be told this, but you should always be prepared for the weather at Wrigley, and take into account where you’re sitting.

The sun sets on the third base side, so that side will have shade first for afternoon and night games and will also cool down first. In the higher rows of Field Box seats you will see some shade earlier on the third base side. To stay out of the sun, avoid the lower level seats down the right field line, and stay away from the bleachers entirely.

As you can see, the roof protects patrons from the sun that might actually thaw protruding body parts.

In the upper level, the roof provides shade for Upper Reserved seats especially on the third base side, but Upper Box could still see sun.

Chicago climate being what it is, you could be at Wrigley on a windy day and see people sweating in the bleachers (which are generally protected from the Lake Michigan breeze), while people in the seating bowl are bundled up trying to stay warm.

For October night games at Wrigley, fans dress extremely warmly, and with good reason. Be prepared…on a cold night you could be sitting on a metal seat for a long time.

There you have it my friends, your complete primer on picking a seat at Wrigley Field…compiled from my own and others experiences. If you want to find the best deals on Cubs tickets, check out this post. Hope it helps you in your next visit…see you at the Yard!

Planning a trip to Chicago? Save a bunch of money on hotels, flights and rental cars…book your trip with my friends at Hotwire! (It’s still Kurt’s favorite!)

Click here to start booking your trip to Chicago and Wrigley Field today!

(Note: this article contains affiliate links. If you use an affiliate link to make a purchase, Ballpark E-Guides earns a commission. Thanks for your support.)

The short answer to the question for thrifty fans is yes, you can bring food into Wrigley Field from outside. The Cubs allow a 16*16*8 soft-sided bag (which is pretty big), so long as it doesn’t contain alcohol or projectiles. The Friendly Confines does have some great Chicago style grub (which I talk about in this truly informative Wrigley Field food post) but sometimes it’s good to save a few bucks too.

So what does this mean for you? In addition to bringing in peanuts and bottled water, which is easy to find anywhere outside, including at the Addison Red Line station, you have a few places near the ballpark to load up on Cubs game sustenance. This can help you choose an ideal parking spot, incidentally.

So Who Makes Food I Can Bring Into Wrigley Field?

Here are three suggestions if McDonald’s, Taco Bell or Subway doesn’t light up your palate:

Is there an “unofficial” hot dog of the Cubs?

Bring Food Into Wrigley Field, Stop #1) Wrigleysville Dogs. Yes, that’s an “S” in the name. Probably some legal thing. Wrigleysville Dogs is a few steps north of the ballpark on Clark Street, and it’s a great place for super cheap grub – like that classic Chicago dog dragged through the garden.

You can park in their lot too, if you’re early enough, but that part isn’t cheap.

My friends at TickPick have Cubs tickets…they offer a best price guarantee, a buyer’s trust guarantee, and NO service fees. (Sounds like a no-brainer to me!)

Click here to order your Cubs tickets on TickPick!

Translation: “Mexican Burrito”. I’m betting it took all night to come up with that name.

Bring Food Into Wrigley Field, Stop #2) El Burrito Mexicano. This tiny but authentic joint is right there at the foot of the Red Line station, and you can get yourself an easy-to-carry burrito to bring inside. (Burritos are an underrated ballpark food IMHO.)

Again, super cheap, but keep in mind that it’s cash only and very popular with fans. Get there early before it gets packed if you can.

The store is just a block away from the ballpark.

Bring Food Into Wrigley Field, Stop #3) Nuts On Clark. There is actually a Nuts On Clark outpost inside Wrigley Field as of this writing, but you can order your gourmet popcorn right there at the store on Clark Street, and it’s cheaper than in the ballpark and has a wider selection.

It’s a very short walk from Wrigley, but it’s only open during the day, so use this one for day games.

There’s three outside choices in Wrigleyville for fans bringing in their own grub. But there’s a pretty impressive menu inside the ballpark that you’ll want to know about too…

Want to know more about the Friendly Confines? Check out this complete guide to Wrigley Field, with everything you need to know! Oh, and click here to learn how to find great deals on Cubs tickets!

Never drive to Wrigley Field without a plan…

Book your Cubs parking spot now with SpotHero!

Click here to book parking for your next Cubs game now!

(Note: this article contains affiliate links. If you use an affiliate link to make a purchase, Ballpark E-Guides earns a commission. Thanks for your support.)

Wrigley Field prepaid parking is a necessity for anyone willing to try driving to Wrigley Field. But as the guys at CubParking can tell you, you can do okay so long as you book beforehand.

Recently Nick Napoli of CubParking contacted me and educated me about ways people park their cars at Wrigley Field…and why they should order parking in advance. I was impressed enough with the Cub Parking service to interview him, and he graciously agreed to answer my questions.

Here is the exchange below…thanks Nick! And Click here to check out CubParking and land a fine Wrigley Field prepaid parking spot for your next Cubs game…

(Need more Wrigley Field help? Ballpark E-Guides has your back! Read how to find a great seat here, check out this complete primer for saving money on tickets, and check this post out for all the great food at Wrigley…more coming!)

Awww…isn’t he a cute little fella? Yes, let’s park here.

I recommend to my readers not to drive to Wrigley, since parking is expensive and scarce by comparison to other ballparks. You offer a solution to that. How did you get started doing it, and what was the response early on? I know you guys are all Cubs fans, did you finally get fed up with parking hassles at Wrigley?

Well for starters that’s good advice. It’s always best to take the CTA to a Cubs game. The Red Line drops you off a block from Wrigley Field, it’s perfect. And you’re right, official Wrigley Field parking is scarce.

For people who choose to drive in, the locals here have been offering up their private parking spots since long before I was born. It’s tradition here, we have neighbors in their 70s out there parking and they’ve been doing it 50 years. They’ll tell you some stories man.

I started parking cars with my friends and neighbors when I was very young, maybe 8 or 9 years old. The neighbors would occasionally let me sell their spots too, it was a whole show. My kid brother who struggles with autism would set up a cooler of cold drinks and make tips. He didn’t mess around, Kurt. We don’t mess around at CubParking (laughs).

We should try to get a little closer.

You are, I’m sure, more familiar with the driving and parking experience at Wrigley than I am. Can you contrast the difference between booking your spot beforehand and searching when you arrive? I expect the difference is massive!

Yes, customers who book Wrigley Field parking in advance don’t even realize the difference until after they arrive in the neighborhood and experience the pandemonium for themselves. Online reservations aren’t scrambling to buy a spot off a stranger, they have an address, a place to go and a reservation.

And over the years we’ve seen everything, or so we think. Those who wing it are often left frustrated. They end up buying a street spot off some weirdo, which is illegal. Or they park with a random bad guy who parks you in a random spot and then people get towed. Or people return to their car to find it’s blocked in. Just so many variables and things that can go wrong and ruin your game day experience. And unfortunately it happens every game.

When customers book with us, there is literally none of that. We’re the good guys. We meet customers at their parking spot when they arrive, get them checked in and on their way. We live in the neighborhood too, so we’re around after the game too in case they need us. So you’re right again Kurt, the difference is massive.

I notice you offer “all night” parking…a very nice option in Wrigleyville. Is this mostly because you want to offer people a way to party without having to drive? Where do people spend the night?

Glad you asked! We started offering it because people would ask for it. Customers often want to come grab their car in the morning, we have spots for that. As people arrive for the game, we can usually tell who is staying out late and who is leaving in the 7th inning, but now we offer overnight and extend time parking to everyone just in case.

And I’m not sure where people sleep but we have had folks ask to sleep in their cars. If it has to come to that, we don’t mind. I think we all agree it’s better than driving drunk. So hey, sleep one off in our garage if you have to. We all appreciate it.

How does Cub Parking turn a profit?

We split all money with residents 50/50. Everyone’s happy, it really works great.

No, you can’t leave your car there for the weekend.

Would you say that Cub Parking is the most affordable option for fans? The Cubs offer free parking with a shuttle from near DeVry University. Does CubParking have better options than that?

Yes, we’re not only the most affordable option but we’re the best value too. That shuttle you mentioned isn’t a bad deal though. And you can’t compete with “free parking” either.

However, people who drive in often come in traffic from a long ways away. So the idea of finally getting out of the car and then waiting to pile on a crowded bus is not attractive. People want to get out of the car and just be there. Not to mention after the game you have to line up to shuttle all the way back.

For $20 or so you can park a block or two away from the park, leave early or stay late until traffic dies down. It’s money well spent, considering how expensive everything else is on game day. CubParking is the best money you will spend all day.

Do you have your favorite spots, say, for easy exit or for location close to hot spots in Wrigleyville? And if so, why?

Well, all of our spots are EZ Out, customers keep their keys and are free to leave whenever they want because they’re never blocked in. We have spots just steps from Wrigley Field and others that are up to 2 blocks away. There’s often a premium for the really close spots. But we also keep a few open for our regulars and seniors.

Are there plans for expansion, say for parking for other big city ballparks like Detroit?

Not really, no. We love the Cubs, and parking for Wrigley Field. It’s something we want to expand locally here in Wrigleyville. We’d like the whole neighborhood to use us. We put cash in our neighbor’s pockets, park responsibly, and even have spots for neighbors coming home that can’t find parking on game day.

We look out for our people. This is our neighborhood and we look forward to growing with it in the coming years.

(CubParking logo courtesy of CubParking.)

Want to know more about the Friendly Confines? Check out my exciting and informative Wrigley Field Guide!

(Note: this article contains affiliate links. If you use an affiliate link to make a purchase, Ballpark E-Guides earns a commission. Thanks for your support.)

(Note: this review and this book were written before the glorious Cubs triumph of 2016. Eamus Catuli!)

Sometimes I think that if the Cubs won the World Series, it would be a gigantic letdown.

When the Red Sox finally broke their 86-year jinx in 2004, it was made much sweeter by the way it happened…an unprecedented comeback from a 3-0 deficit to defeat the hated Yankees in the ALCS. That would have been memorable even without a curse, but it lived up to how sweet a long-awaited World Series victory could truly be for Red Sox fans.

What could the Cubs do to match that, especially given that their futility has reached (and now passed) a full century? The White Sox went longer than the Red Sox did without a championship—a full 88 years—but the baseball world outside of Chicago almost yawned when they breezed past the Astros in the 2005 World Series.

No Longer Waiting.

There hardly seems any way an end to the Cubs drought could match the buildup. Floyd Sullivan, author of “Waiting For The Cubs: The 2008 Season, the Hundred-Year Slump and One Fan’s Lifelong Vigil”, doesn’t seem overly worried about the possibility.

Most people appreciate that it’s tough being—or more correctly staying—a Cubs fan. But until one reads Sullivan’s account of the 2008 season, one doesn’t really feel the effect of a lifetime of devotion without a payoff and with no proverbial light at the end of the tunnel.

A blue W. For “Victory”.

Throughout the book, despite that the Cubs have one of their best seasons in years, Sullivan—and his equally devoted Cubs fan family—are always expecting the other shoe to drop, always waiting for the imminent disaster to befall their heroes.

One could hardly blame them, especially after the 2003 NLCS, when Steve Bartman’s unfortunate blunder sparked a legendary collapse. Despite that a writer of Sullivan’s skill could have easily put a few gratuitously heart-wrenching pages in his book about the incident, he almost skims over the subject, informing the reader that “if you’re interested in reliving it, Google Steve Bartman.”

Sullivan writes from a personal angle, but the book never feels like someone telling his own story. Instead he shares the pain and occasional euphoria of being a Cubs fan, something his family and friends, and certainly any fan, can relate to. At one point he humorously shares the possible double meaning of what his children get written on their Wrigley brick dedication, which reads simply, “Thanks, Dad”.

His family has moved from Chicago to York, Pennsylvania; and while this precludes frequent trips to the Friendly Confines each year, it does enable him and his family to see the visiting club in both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which they do frequently, with a trip to Washington thrown in. His description of Nationals Park, which opened in 2008, is spot-on accurate.

His tales of trips to Pittsburgh are hilariously fraught with the dangers of the western PA Turnpike (with which I can definitely identify), but also a couple of weather miscalculations…one trip ends with a game postponed in what he believed was hardly a downpour, as a result he cancelled a later trip on his own due to torrential rain and missed a full nine innings of Cubs baseball at PNC Park.

It did.

The book mainly focuses on the story of the Cubs’ 2008 season, with some side tales of Cubs fan agony. It’s the centennial of the team’s last World Series championship (yes, that was in 1908), but it’s also a season where fans believe the team has the best chance to break the curse that befalls them, with pitchers like Carlos Zambrano, Ryan Dempster and Carlos Marmol, and position players like Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez and Kosuke Fukudome.

Despite that the Cubs won 97 games and the NL Central Division in 2008, though, Sullivan never seems to believe that the Cubs will achieve the ultimate glory—indeed he almost predicts an easy victory for the Dodgers, the Cubs NLDS opponent. It bears out, with the Dodgers whitewashing the Cubs 3-0 in the series. Another Cubs season, as he puts it, ending with a loss.

But it’s not all bad…the family actually meets Ryan Dempster over the winter.

“Waiting For The Cubs” concludes with the story behind the Fred Merkle boner that cost the Giants the 1908 pennant…seemingly the last time that the baseball gods smiled on the Chicago Cubs…and Sullivan does a better job than most at clearing up what really happened that day at the Polo Grounds.

Many books have been written about the Chicago Cubs and their futility, but few of them capture the mind of the Cubs fan. Sullivan does it perfectly, making the story both personal and universal. No Cubs fan reading this book would disagree.

Nor, in fact, would any baseball fan. Highly recommended, whether you’re a fan of the Cubs, White Sox or Cardinals.

You can still hear Harry saying it.

(Note: this article contains affiliate links. If you use an affiliate link to make a purchase, Ballpark E-Guides earns a commission. Thanks for your support.)