Heading To Wrigleyville? Follow These Dos And Don'ts To Survive

By Stephen Gossett in News on Oct 28, 2016 5:11PM

Yes, parking restrictions are inconvenient. But this is a Don't. Photo: Tyler LaRiviere

So, there’s this baseball game happening on Friday night. It’s a pretty big deal. If you’re one of the lucky few to be attending the Cubs’ first home World Series game in lo these past seven decades, or if you’re among those passionate and/or insane enough to risk life, limb and pocketbook by watching in Wrigleyville, we’re here to advise you of a few restrictions, enforcements and (since we’re all going a little nutty right now) some common-sense reminders.

Don’t drive!

Seriously. That’s just asking for trouble. No only do you have perfectly viable Divvy and biking options, the CTA has beefed up services to accommodate the foot-traffic demand. Hopefully locals don’t have to be encouraged to use the CTA, but, dear out-of-towner, if you’re reading, fear not Chicago public transit.

Parking restrictions from Friday, Oct. 28 from noon until Monday, Oct. 31 at 4:00 a.m.:
- Clifton: Waveland-Grace
- Seminary: Waveland-Grace
- Kenmore: Waveland-Grace
- Seminary: Newport-Eddy
- Cornelia: Wilton-Sheffield
- Grace: Wilton-Clark
- Waveland: Wilton-Racine

From Friday, Oct. 28, at 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.:
- Waveland: Fremont-Halsted (south side)

The restrictions even extend well beyond Wrigleyvillle, Friday, Oct. 28 through Wednesday, Nov. 2 from 5 p.m. to 6 a.m.:
- Webster: Sheffield-Bissell
- Lincoln: Webster-Fullerton
- Division: State-Dearborn
- Hubbard: State-LaSalle
- Wells: North Avenue - Division
- Kinzie: State-Clark

However you arrive, get there early—because everyone else has. These fans were spotted at Murphy's Bleachers before I was awake:

Don’t be a jackass!

The city’s Office of Emergency Management & Communications probably shouldn’t have to spell it out, but after Saturday’s NLCS clincher, the department reminds that “scaling poles, barricade or equipment is prohibited.” Good advice, that. There were only a handful of arrests on Saturday, but with security beefing up to Schwarberian sizes (at least 1000 law enforcements officers), it’s really not worth the risk.

Speaking of security ramp-ups, also expect check points within a two-block perimeter of Wrigley Field. Translation: pre-game those Old Styles, drinkers, because your open container is surely getting tossed.) Also, OEMC reminds, no drones. Our apologies, potential Trevor Bauer trolls.

And if you’re actually getting inside the ballpark, there are some semi-surprising restrictions to go along with your run-of-the-mill no-gos, including brooms (which, why bring? There’s no chance of sweep!), nets and selfie sticks. You really don’t wanna be the guy to tell your grandchildren you missed the Cubs first World Series game since 1945 because you couldn’t’ leave that behind.

Do cry!

Win or lose, this is some momentous stuff. Follow the lead of Cubs-fan spirit animal Bill Murray and, if the moment calls for it, let the waterworks fly like a W flag.