Yes, we’ve talked about the Cubs 2010 season and how seeing Wrigley is one of the top 10 things to do in Chicago. But what does Wrigley Field really have to offer to tourists in Chicago, other than its close proximity to our flagship gourmet popcorn store?
Wrigley’s Sports History
Wrigley is of course known to baseball fans as the home of the Chicago Cubs since 1916. But fewer know that for most of its existence it was a multi-sport facility, acting as home to Chicago’s NFL franchise, the Bears, from the 1920s to the 1970s. It is the oldest ballpark in the National League and the second oldest in use in Major League baseball, behind only Fenway Park, home of the Red Sox in Boston.
Its notable features include its adherence to an older style of ballpark– it still only seats around 41,000, making it one of the smallest ballparks in the Major League. Visitors will remember its ivy-covered brick outfield wall, its famous red signage and its hand-operated scoreboard– all relics of its long history. The field didn’t even have lights until the late 1980s, making for a limited number of night games!
Another feature of the Wrigley experience is the rooftop seating surround the ballpark. Many surrounding buildings have opened rooftop bars with bleacher seating, where you can host parties, eat, drink and watch the game.
Wrigley is also famous for its “W” and “L” flags, signaling a win or loss to the city. You’ll see white flags with a blue “W” flying across Chicago front porches during baseball season, hung by fans hoping for more wins than losses! Fans are also known to wear W flags at home and away games throughout the season.
Wrigley Events
Wrigley hosts a number of other events throughout the year, especially during the Cubs’ off season. It has hosted a summer concert series in recent years, featuring feel-good performers like Jimmy Buffett, The Police, Rascal Flatts, Elton John and Billy Joel. In the summer of 2010, the Dave Matthews Band will perform in the famous sports stadium.
For the first time since the 1970s, Wrigley will also host a football game– but this time, it will be a college showdown. It was recently announced that the Northwestern University Wildcats will face off against the University of Illinois Fighting Illini during the college football season of 2010.
During the winter of 2010, Wrigley made way for a hockey game between arch rivals and “Original Six” teams the Chicago Blackhawks and the Detroit Red Wings in the National Hockey League’s Winter Classic. On January 1, diehard fans of both teams bundled up for the outdoor hockey game which the Red Wings won 6 to 4, to the chagrin of Chicagoans across the city.
Finally, during the winter, the parking lot of Wrigley hosts an ice skating rink for and other holiday-themed activities. “The Rink at Wrigley” draws families and fans to experience Wrigley in the offseason.
Whether you visit Chicago during the Cubs’ season or throughout the year, a trip to Wrigley and the surrounding neighborhood of Wrigleyville is important gaining the whole Chicago experience. Understanding the importance of the field and its fans helps you understand the people of Chicago! And plus, with our flagship store a few blocks away on Clark Street, you can buy Chicago-style popcorn while getting to know Chicago-style sports, too.
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