ballparks
ballparks
Built in 1914, this is definitely not a “retro” park. It’s a park that architects of the past few decades look to for inspiration.
The day started out how many locals start it out. With a drink at the Cubby Bear, a famous bar across the street. And by across the street, I really mean across the street. There is no huge parking lot next to (or anywhere near, for that matter) Wrigley. This ballpark is really in a neighborhood. And even though Fenway can boast the same, Wrigley is a mile from the nearest freeway and surrounded by homes literally across the street. It’s basically an urban planner’s nightmare. 41,000 seats with no freeway or parking!
Anyway, after a few brews at the Cubby Bear, we headed over to the main entrance. That famous red and white sign (Wrigley Field Home of Chicago Cubs) greets you. It’s fun to see in person. And let’s you know you’ve made it to a real ballpark.
As tickets are hard to get, mine comes with the luck of having and “obstructed view” seat. Apparently engineering in 1912 wasn’t quite what is almost 100 years later. To support the upper grandstand, large steel poles are interspersed into the middle of the lower deck. And I got to see one of those steel poles up close. Real close. Right in front of me. The outfield and 2nd base to the left of the pole -- the rest of the infield and home plate to the right. But that’s okay. This place has “character.” In fact, at the Texas Ranger’s stadium, they actually did this on purpose in right field to get a taste of Wrigley.
A few beers later (and a guy who walks around selling hotdogs so you don’t have to leave your seat -- this is Chicago, of course!), I was enjoying my obstructed view seat and the great crowd. The Cubs were losing, but you’d never know it from the atmosphere.
Chicago Cubs - Wrigley Field
Monday, August 16, 2004