There’s something special about a day at Wrigley Field. It is almost this spiritual feeling that is inexplicable. I think Cubs fans can agree when I say there’s nothing better than spending a Sunday afternoon at Wrigley Field. For Cubs fans, it’s much more than just a game between two teams. It’s more than the pitcher and the hitter. It’s more than the ground ball or the home run. it’s the environment. The atmosphere on game day is incredible. There are people of all ages walking the North Side of Chicago with their T-shirts on and smiles on their faces. Cubs fans are special. I feel like no matter how much I dislike someone, I can get along with them if they’re a Cubs fan. It’s a special group of people who take pride in and enjoy Chicago Cubs baseball. Sometimes called the “lovable losers,” us Cubs fans love to have a good time at the ballpark and a Cubs loss will make us sad, but it will never ruin our day.
I’m not from Chicago, but I was born a couple hours south of the city and was a Cubs fan from day one. As a child I will always remember my first game. I knew I was a Cubs fan before my first game, but I knew I was in for an experience I’d never forget. Seeing the outside of Wrigley Field for the first time just sent shivers down my spine. It seemed so hectic with all the people walking around in huge crowds, yelling and yelling, Go Cubs! and many other songs. Standing in the long line waiting to get into the ballpark was very difficult because I was so anxious to see what was inside. My first step at Wrigley Field took my breath away. I always saw the green ivy on TV when watching the games, but there’s nothing like seeing it in real life. It’s kind of a place and I’ll always have that mental image in my head for the rest of my life. Seeing the ivy in person is almost a magical experience in itself.
Now, enough of my emotional experience at Wrigley, I’d like to share with people how a day at Wrigley Field should be spent. Now, it may not set out the best way to spend your day at the stadium, but I sure think people will be able to relate to what I have to say. First of all, do your best to choose a hot summer day. Baseball is all about the summer months and it’s so nice to watch a game at Wrigley on a nice sunny day in July. I think every seat in the ballpark is awesome, but try to sit in the bleachers at least once in your life. It’s the best experience I’ve ever had at a Cubs game and I’ve done it multiple times. The “stand bums” are always yelling, yelling and having a great time no matter how the team is performing. Although it can get a bit crowded and a bit out of control at times, I highly recommend sitting in the bleachers. You will not regret.
There is much more to the game at Wrigley than just the game. Get to the stadium early and check out some of the local bars or restaurants. It’s really fun to see all the fanfare and history around the stadium. Personally I would recommend fans check out the “Cubby Bear” which is a sports bar that is right across the street from the ballpark. It is always packed with fans from all over who are just trying to have a good time. Don’t be afraid to talk to people either. Cubs fans are very friendly and will love to talk about the game that day or what they think about the team during that time. I remember going there with my friends and having a lot of good times.
Now it’s crucial for any Cubs fan to attend at least one game in their lifetime, but I’d like to talk now about a very special game. I’m talking about the Chicago Cubs and the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cubs and Cardinals are known for having a friendly rivalry, but some would say it’s far from friendly and I have to agree. The Cubs/Cardinals rivalry is not just a great rivalry in baseball, it is considered one of the greatest rivalries in sports. Cubs fans sometimes don’t even care how the team is doing as long as they beat the Cardinals. It’s a very heated rivalry and it’s a great experience watching the Cubs take on the Cardinals at Wrigley Field. I’ve only been to one Cubs game when they played the Cardinals and it was intense to say the least. Since St. Louis is so close, there were a lot of Cardinals fans showing up at the stadium almost splitting it in half when it comes to the number of fans on each side. Cubs fans hate the Cardinals and Cardinals fans hate the Cubs. So it is and always will be so.
Okay, I’ve shared a few experiences and a few other things, but basically the day at the ballpark is about having a good time with family or friends. Arrive early, eat something, drink something and enjoy everything the day brings. Take pictures and try to capture every moment you can. There’s nothing like a day at Wrigley Field. Bring your friends or family and enjoy a day at Wrigley Field you’ll never forget. And if you’re lucky, they’ll all sing “Go Cubs Go!” By the end of the day.