Nothing Better Than A Good Ole Ball Game
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By Elizabeth Aburto, Reporter, The Real Chi |
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With Chicago’s winter weather behind us, there isn’t a better way to kick-off the new season than attending a good ole ball game. Fortunately, Chicago is home to not only one, but two of the most historic franchises in Major League Baseball (MLB) each with its own stadium and different atmospheres with plenty of eateries and bars to check out before heading into the ballgame.
First, let’s start with Wrigley Field, the second oldest ballpark in America, and home to the 2016 World Series champions Chicago Cubs. Located in the Lakeview neighborhood, Wrigley Field still holds its classic old-fashioned feel of baseball despite receiving renovations such as an expanded clubhouse and additional elevators being added to the upper deck seating area in recent years.
Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs
Before heading into the stadium for a game, you can enjoy pregame activities and drinks at local sports bars in an area along the stadium on Clark Avenue, Addison Avenue, and Sheffield Avenue in Wrigleyville - the neighborhood immediately surrounding Wrigley Field. Some favorable mentions that I know are sure to bring in a crowd are Murphy's Bleachers and Sluggers. Murphy's Bleachers, a staple in Wrigleyville for almost 80 years, is a popular haven for Cubs fans and for people from the neighborhood. With a wide beer selection and a location only a few steps from Wrigley Field, what more could you ask for? Sluggers is not only serving up some of your favorite bar food, but also has a variety of pregame activities to do on their second level features like batting cages, skee-ball, air hockey, and more.
Guaranteed Rate Field, home of the Chicago White Sox
Finally, Guaranteed Rate Field, located in the Bridgeport neighborhood on the city’s South Side, is the home of the 2005 World Series champions Chicago White Sox. Guaranteed Rate Field has had a bit of history with its name. Before it was called Guarantee Rate Field or U.S Cellular Field, the stadium was known as Comiskey Park. Charles Comiskey built the original park on the corner of 35th Street and Shields Avenue. It opened on July 1, 1910, and shortly after became known as Comiskey Park. On August 14, 1939, the first night game was played, with the Sox defeating the St. Louis Browns by a score of 5-2. Today, the stadium features a new modern feel while also sticking to its historical roots as it offers more walking space, a wide variety of different foods, and statues along the stadium of Charlie Comiskey, Minnie Minoso, Frank Thomas, and more.
Before making your way into the stadium, I recommend stopping by a local hotspot just a few minutes from the entrance called 35TH STREET RED HOTS which offers the best fried shrimp, and Chicago-style hotdog and fries. Also a few minutes away from the stadium is Wings and Rings, a restaurant known to be a popular hangout spot for Sox fans, especially on home games. The restaurant also offers a free shuttle to the stadium both an hour before the first pitch and an hour after the last inning for no charge.
Speaking of transportation, for West Side residents, the best direction to each respected stadium will be shared below for both public transportation users and drivers. The starting point is at the Nichols Tower located at 906 S Homan Ave Ste. 102, Chicago, IL 60624
Wrigley Field
Transportation By Public Transportation:
Guaranteed Rate Field
Transportation By Public Transportation