Whether they’re die-hard baseball fans or overzealous freshmen looking to emulate Ferris Bueller, many North- western students make the trip down to Wrigley Field for a Cubs game. And for good reasons, too: It’s hard to beat warm weather, a ballpark frank and the quirks of the Friendly Confines. But a day at Wrigley doesn’t just begin with the first pitch, and it certainly doesn’t end with the final out. The Cubbies struggle out on the field, but winning your day at Wrigley can be a sure thing with a little preparation.
Play ball
After gorging yourself on food and drinks, it’s time to head over to Wrigley Field. The game itself will depend on those “lovable losers,” but buying the right tickets will make all the difference. If you’re willing to splurge, $60 to 80 will get you first-level infield seats, while rooftop seats in right field come with a triple-digit price tag but include a pregame party and plenty of concessions. Terrace outfield seats might be the best grab, as they don’t go for much and you can soak up some sun. You won’t be able to see the mound quite as easily, but home run balls will come right your way and there’s always the opportunity to move around. Though ushers guard the infield boxes, you could secretly upgrade your $10 upper-deck seat all the way to the second level, where seats are often still available after the game starts.
Warm up
Many Cubs games start around noon or 1 p.m. For your first stop, hop on the Purple Line, transfer to the Red Line at Howard and get off at Addison. Coming to Wrigleyville early in the day gets you access to some of the best food in the city. The cream of the crop? Dimo’s Pizza on Clark Street, which is just a five-minute walk from the Addison stop. With specialty pizzas topped with mac and cheese, sliced potatoes and even marshmallows, you can’t lose here. After a quick slice or two, it’s off to the bars for some pregame fun. Goose Island’s Wrigleyville brewpub sits right on Clark, while Sluggers offers a rowdy bar atmosphere with an upstairs batting cage, trampoline and skeeball machine. But the best option, The Cubby Bear, sits right across from the park. With 75 plasma TVs and just about every beer imaginable on tap, the bar is packed to the gills with season ticket holders and vocal fans.
Post game
Cubs won? Let’s celebrate! Cubs lost? Time for a distraction. Regardless of the outcome, leaving the city right after the game ends is a major mistake. The iO Theater (formerly the ImprovOlympic Theater) offers top-notch Chicago comedy, perfect for a laugh after a heartbreaking loss. Also, The Metro, where the Smashing Pumpkins got their big start back in the ‘90s, showcases genres from hip-hop to ska. It’s ideal for a celebratory dance—and maybe even a mosh pit.Take the Red Line to other parts of Chicago for the night, or stick around Wrigleyville and explore the club and bar scene. Eventually, cut your way back to Evanston, but know that no Wrigley experience is complete without waiting forever for a Purple Line transfer train at Howard. Then it’s one, two, three strikes and you’re outta there!