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* As many of you know, I have not attended a game at, nor otherwise set foot in the home stadium of Chicago’s National League baseball club in more than 20 years. But I’ll be there tomorrow for the Mets game.

I just figured it was time to go check out all the changes to the park. I grew up a Cub fan (and absolutely despised the Mets), but left them behind for the White Sox after years of chafing at the whole “lovable losers” schtick. Maybe I’m mellowing with age. Anyway, I’m in town and a buddy had tickets, so what the heck.

* The Question: Advice?

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 11:55 am

Comments

Don’t wear a Cardinals hat

Comment by 10th Ward Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 11:56 am
Just have fun … and wear some sunscreen so you don’t get sunburned.

Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 11:56 am
Eat/drink somewhere in Wrigleyville before the game, so you’ll limit your contribution to the authoritarian political party that has declared a civil cold war on the rest of the nation.

Comment by lake county democrat Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 11:56 am
Enjoy Wrigley. the greatest baseball venue in the business. and I’m a cards fan.

Comment by Blue Dog Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 11:57 am
Cheer for the Mets.

Comment by Back to the Future Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 12:00 pm
They’re back to the “lovable losers” schtick…but at least they don’t have La Russa trying to keep them out of the playoffs.

Show up early to enjoy Gallagher Way

Comment by Stu Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 12:02 pm
“Bernie’s” before, “Nisei Lounge” after…

Hope you get to see some GOOD baseball.

Great day for a ball game.

(I’ll check, thanks, but…) “Who’s throwing?”

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 12:03 pm
It’s baseball so of course have fun. But avoid the restrooms if at all possible. (they have not changed)

Comment by Responsa Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 12:05 pm
If you’re driving to the stadium, SpotHero is a big improvement over the cash in/out lots. Definitely worth the extra few bucks for the convenience.

I’d also say make a little time for a full lap around the outside. There’s lots of new stuff to see on every side of the block, but especially the Clark St. side. Even if your gate isn’t there, it’s worth wandering through.

Comment by vern Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 12:05 pm
For parking: SpotHero or park in a neighborhood that has more parking (like North Center or Ravenswood or Roscoe Village) and take the train in.

For Wrigleyville: Good luck.

Comment by NIU Grad Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 12:07 pm
I’m with OW on this one. Nisei Lounge is excellent at any time. Its immediate neighbors, Greystone and Dark Horse, ain’t too shabby either, but they have a slightly different feel.

Comment by Homebody Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 12:08 pm
Try the O’Doul’s

Comment by Surly Dan Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 12:08 pm
Murphys before or after the game…check out the new cubs plaza as well.

Comment by B Team Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 12:13 pm
Willing to donate to Lutheran social services if you post a video trying whatever deadly malort concoction Nisei Lounge has dreamed up for July.

Comment by Twice shy Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 12:14 pm
Always sit near the fans of the opposing team.

Comment by Just Sayin Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 12:15 pm
Drink heavily. Wear a ball cap and sunglasses so you won’t be recognized by your fans. Also, avoid the Red Line unless you want to catch Covid.

Comment by phocion Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 12:15 pm
Welcome to Rickettsville. Bring lots of money.

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 12:15 pm
enjoy the troughs

Comment by wowie Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 12:21 pm
Buy your tickets immediately (if possible) for next year’s Wrigley series of the Crosstown.

Comment by Just Sayin Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 12:26 pm
Come to the game dressed up in your best Harry Caray costume and impression, beer, glasses and all.

Comment by Just Sayin Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 12:28 pm
I haven’t been back since COVID but Pre COVID, they had kosher hot dogs from Romanian On Clark St. Best hot dog in Chicago and all beef. It was around Section 227.

Comment by Rahm's Parking Meter Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 12:29 pm
Prepare yourself for the sublime genius of David Ross.

Comment by Henry Francis Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 12:29 pm
Do not ask ” if “they’re the real Chicago [Cubs] fans”.
I’ll forgive you, Rich. I was a Sox fan when “Kaminsky” was still standing, but I was at Wrigley twice on school field trips as a student. Even then I knew the park was a classic of its day, but it was long in the tooth in the 1970’s.

Comment by thisjustinagain Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 12:35 pm
Prepare to be in Fenway West. It’s no longer just a cherished old-time ballpark. It’s now a neighborhood designed to make $ for the owners. (And the GOP.)

Comment by Keyrock Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 12:42 pm
Seconding Nisei Lounge. Hopefully you have bleacher seats so you can get some Hot Doug’s.

And wear whatever hat you want. I’m a Cardinals fan and had bleacher season tickets for three years. Wore a redbird hat almost every game.

Comment by Downstater-in-Chicago Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 12:42 pm
Ask the gift shop if they sell CDs or MP3s of the complete, unedited Lee Elia tirade.

Comment by Just Sayin Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 12:43 pm
Bow your head at the Ernie Banks Statue
( and always keep your back elbow up )

Hey Hey

Comment by Red Ketcher Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 12:45 pm
Pray that your seats aren’t behind a support column partially blocking your view.

Comment by Cornerfield Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 12:46 pm
I like being around Cub fans is about the only good thing I can say because:
- it is still the worse ballpark in major leagues
- food and beer are not too good; I’d have a good meal before
- bathrooms are disgusting

Oddly it is the exact opposite of saint louis where the bullet points are positives but the fans are horrendous to be around.

Comment by Lurker Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 12:49 pm
Don’t be disappointed when the fans don’t go ‘Woooooooooooup’ on foul balls behind home plate.

Comment by DEE Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 12:49 pm
1. Evaluate your definition of “friend” to better understand why someone would drag you there on a nice summer day.
2. Eat & Drink in advance to avoid getting the Ricketts clip job.
3. Park downtown, take the EL, get full video to share with Darren on conditions in “hellhole”
4. Have fun

Comment by Annonin' Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 12:51 pm
Left field bleachers and do whatever you can to stop the wave from even starting.

Comment by Barton Lorimor Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 12:54 pm
Wear a mask - it feels like everyone in Chicago was recently exposed to someone or knows someone who has COVID.

Comment by DeeLay Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 12:58 pm
Talk about 1969 the whole game.
You are probably already there but I second parking elsewhere and taking the L. If I go to Wrigley I come from the south side and usually take the Rock Island to 35th St or park near Comiskey and jump on the L there.

Comment by Been There Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 1:00 pm
===Talk about 1969 the whole game===

I was there with my Cub Scout troop the day the swoon began.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 1:01 pm
And I love the way both the Sox and Cubs snuck in a nice price bump into their prices. I believe neither take cash anymore so you have to use your credit card. Except now instead of paying an even $11.50 for a beer they throw the tax on top of it.

Comment by Been There Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 1:02 pm
===Talk about 1969 the whole game===

Or 1984 NLCS Game 5. While wearing an “I Love Steve Garvey” T shirt.

Comment by Just Sayin Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 1:04 pm
Enjoy the ballpark, hope for baseball

Comment by walker Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 1:06 pm
Amaze all the casual “fans” at the game with your encyclopedic baseball knowledge, history, stats, sabermetrics and all.

Comment by Just Sayin Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 1:08 pm
Enjoy daytime baseball… but don’t donate too much to the Racketts.
Every foul ball, stand up and yell “I got it (banned punctuation)”

Comment by Vote Quimby Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 1:09 pm
==Don’t wear a Cardinals hat==

But instead wear a retro Browns hat. Since their successors are the ones playing the Cubs tonight. And causing some fans to confuse the Browns with the Cardinals and all the fun that ensues.

Comment by Just Sayin Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 1:14 pm
Advice? Get your peanuts here - cheaper on the outside. Inside, they got the small peanuts. Outside, we’ve got your big peanuts. Just ask the guy at the corner of Waveland and Sheffield.

Comment by Dysfunction Junction Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 1:16 pm
Also, do not in any way participate in or encourage beer cup snakes. They’re an abomination. And throw visiting teams’ home runs back on the field if you know what’s good for you.

Comment by Dysfunction Junction Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 1:18 pm
“Root, root, root for the home team. If they don’t win it’s not 2016. Enjoy the joy of baseball.

Comment by The Magnificent Purple Walnut Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 1:21 pm
drink right before you go in and try not to buy much there. remember, the money goes to the TRicketts, the Trump loving (yeah yeah I know about Laura) Ricketts family. cheer for the Mets.

Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 1:26 pm
Sing as loud as you can during the 7th inning stretch.

No matter which team is winning, enjoy the baseball game.

Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 1:33 pm
I think there is one stand behind first base where they still sell Old Style. Hit that.

Comment by Paddyrollingstone Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 1:43 pm
When you get to Wrigley, get back in your car and go somewhere else. You will appreciate the advice, Wrigley is the worst ballpark in the business.

Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 1:54 pm
I’m afraid the loveable part of loveable losers has come and gone.
But, hey they are profitable. That’s what counts, right?

Comment by Bruce( no not him) Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 2:02 pm
Enjoy the weather and hopefully a good ballgame in the #2 ranked MLB park in America.

Thank your lucky stars your beloved White Sox never moved to Tampa to play in the actual worst ball park in the business

https://thelistwire.usatoday.com/lists/ranking-all-30-mlb-ballparks/

Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 2:07 pm
Agree with SpotHero, or, alternatively, ParkWhiz.

Don’t drink too much.

Don’t bring your goat.

Comment by JoanP Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 2:11 pm
Bring smelling salts, for when you see the face value price of tickets, beer, food,……..

Comment by bogey golfer Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 2:14 pm
Lower your expectations for the new surroundings.

Comment by AlfondoGonz Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 2:35 pm
20 years since your last visit? There have been a few changes, some you might even like.

Comment by jackmac Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 2:37 pm
Place a new curse onto the Cubs. Even for things like the “crime” of exorbitant concession prices. “$20 for a beer? As long as me and any and all of my bloggers (and their kids) are alive the Cubs will never have a winning season again.”

Comment by Just Sayin Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 2:58 pm
==Oddly it is the exact opposite of saint louis where the bullet points are positives but the fans are horrendous to be around.==

Why is that? Are you intimidated by Cardinals fans generally being the most knowledgable in baseball?

Comment by Just Sayin Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 3:00 pm
Rich - I never thought I’d see the day. My advice is to eat and drink almost exclusively outside the park - better food, better drink, lower prices. Wrigley concessions are comically, pathetically, bad. That is not true at the stadium of the Chicago American League squad.

Comment by Changing times Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 3:11 pm
===Are you intimidated by Cardinals fans generally being the most knowledgable in baseball? ===

Just ask them

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 3:16 pm
===Just ask them===

Cardinals Fans’ smugness and self importance is built around the town can’t keep a football team, even Chicago’s hand me down, “Cardinals”?

Dunno how that’s intimidating at all.

Have fun, Rich, great day for baseball, as is any day.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 3:20 pm
Relax and forget about the troubles of the world for a while. Have a great time.

Comment by DuPage Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 3:27 pm
Brace yourself for the Rosemont Entertainment District-ization of what was once a great ballpark and neighborhood.

Comment by Robert Montgomery Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 3:58 pm
Play some Steve Goodman in the car on the way up.

Comment by Proud Sucker Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 4:07 pm
=Brace yourself for the Rosemont Entertainment District-ization of what was once a great ballpark and neighborhood.=

All true, but the real neighborhood is still there if you know where to look. If you want to ditch the Rackett$ and the overall yuppie vibe around the park, walk four blocks south on Clark just north of Belmont to the L & L Tavern. Nationally famous dive bar and former hangout of many local celebrities. Beer’s cheap too.

Comment by Dysfunction Junction Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 4:27 pm
Contractually obligated tweet…

Whatever people think of the Cubs current owners and new hotel complex the same families own…big breath…Bernie’s, Metro/GMan, Cubby Bear, Sluggers, Sports Corner, and Murphy’s Bleachers as owned them 25-40 years ago. The huge new legal weed dispensary on Clark Street however is new.

Comment by ChicagoBars Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 5:31 pm
No matter how much Old Style you’ve had, do NOT swan dive through the troughs in the men’s bathrooms!

Comment by Kent Gray Wednesday, Jul 13, 22 @ 10:48 pm
Eat lunch at Rice and Bread, 2 blocks north on Sheffield. A great Korean American Diner. I love the Bulgogi and my wife swears by the Bibimbop. If you have time visit the Bearded Lady Lounge, about 3 blocks north, also on Sheffield but just after it becomes Sheridan. I’m a bit partial about that one as my son is the Manager.
I will however also vouch for L&L, my son talks about it.
Finally, if you get to town early visit the Graceland Cemetery, 4 blocks north of Wrigley.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graceland_Cemetery

Comment by Jimbo2 Thursday, Jul 14, 22 @ 12:10 am
Prepare yourself to see some pretty average minor league baseball played by the home team.

Comment by Really Thursday, Jul 14, 22 @ 5:34 am