Chicago: Wrigley Field

Overview

Whether you're arriving from the Addison Street "El" station or whether you approach it from the front and see the marquis board, you know it's Wrigley Field.

Along the tracks of Chicago's Elevated Railway near Wrigley Field, Cubs banners hang off of decks. And all around the park there is a sea of people. And since 1988 lights protrude above the surrounding rooftops. Wrigley's exterior is showing its age certainly, but most fans still tend to treat it as a cathedral. Inside it's easy to see why.

After dodging crowds in Wrigley's dark, gross concourses one might climb the stairs to reveal organ music, an ivy covered wall and the majors' last truly hand operated main scoreboard.

Wrigley Field opened in 1914 as the home of the Chicago Whales of the Federal League. By 1916 the Cubs had moved in and have been there ever since, though they've never gotten a World Series title there. Ask a billy goat about that.

Wrigley underwent renovations prior to the 2006 season which expanded its bleacher seat section. The bleacher bums are perhaps sports' most famous group of fans.

The capacity is over 40,000, there are now luxury suites, and lights were installed in 1988, but Wrigley still feels very old. It has a wonderful view of north Chicago's grand apartment buildings and Wrigleyville's rooftops. The seats are small and some are behind posts, but Wrigley surprisingly still has excellent food options and occasionally puts a decent product on the field. Then again, it's not the team the fans keep coming back for. It's Wrigley itself.

Worst seat

Behind a post down the left field line: Not only is the view obstructed, but access to these seats is slow and difficult, especially if one takes the El to the park. Seated far from the field, a fan's view of the batter might be totally obstructed.