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Chicago Cubs: Three reasons why Wrigley Field is elite
Chicago Cubs: There is no denying that the beloved home of the Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field is elite and here is why:
The month of June is almost here, and the lack of baseball this year has made me miss baseball and the Chicago Cubs more than ever. With the coronavirus pandemic still running rampant, the world as a whole is facing an unbelievable amount of uncertainty, especially when it comes to sports and sporting events.
It should be noted that Major League Baseball is still working with the Major League Baseball Players Association towards putting a plan together for there to be a shortened baseball season in 2020. However, there are still many obstacles for each side to overcome before they can come to an agreement. If we’re honest, it’s anyone’s guess as to if we will have a shortened season and when it will begin.
Even if a shortened season were to commence, games would be played without fans. This means that Chicago Cubs fans will be missing out on spectating at the beloved home of the Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field. I know I sound biased here, but I genuinely believe that Wrigley Field is elite. Maybe even the No. 1 ballpark in the United States.
In a recent article, USA Today published a ranking of Major League Baseball’s 30 ballparks. Interestingly enough, Wrigley Field was placed second, right behind Oracle Park, which is home to the San Francisco Giants. Don’t get me wrong, Oracle Park looks beautiful, and in today’s day and age, it is the perfect ballpark. But, I am here to make the case that Wrigley Field is elite and should have been ranked as No. 1.
Chicago Cubs: Wrigley’s urban location, energy and atmosphere
First up is Wrigley’s downtown location. While it might not be located along a body of water or have a scenic nature-oriented view, it sits in the heart of the iconic neighborhood of the north side of Chicago. Realistically, how many other teams can say that?
Also, the community has been built up to be full of bars, and restaurants which make both the pregame and the post-game scene incredibly enjoyable, especially with that classic 1:20 pm starts. If that wasn’t convincing enough, Chicago is the third-largest city in the United States, so for tourists visiting, there is an endless amount of things to do!
Second, we have Wrigley’s energy and atmosphere. It is known that Wrigley has some of the highest attendance rates in baseball. High attendance rates mean lots of fans and excitement at the ballpark. Last season the Cubs ranked fourth in both overall (3,094,865) and per-game attendance (38,208). Whether it be a weekday or a weekend, there is always a big crowd at Wrigley ready to cheer on the Cubbies!
With one lone upper deck where fans are squeezed in together, those present are exposed to a unique, rowdy atmosphere that is bound to get anyone excited and ecstatic for a good ole baseball game. While you could argue that Wrigley is smaller than other ballparks, including Oracle Park of San Francisco, it does provide a more intimate experience with the game that is difficult to get anywhere else nowadays.
Chicago Cubs: Wrigley Field’s rich history
Along with this idea, the third reason why Wrigley is elite is its fantastic history. The story of how 106 years ago, a ballpark was constructed on Chicago’s north side to accommodate the new Federal League team, the Chi-Feds (or Whales) is one that Cubs fans know well enough to tell time and time again. The ballpark cost about $250,000 to build and finally opened in 1914. Considering it is still around as the Wrigley Field we know today, it was a good investment.
Renovations have been made for the ballpark to keep up with the times, and they haven’t been too drastic so that Wrigley could keep its old-timey charm. These renovations include both electronic jumbotrons and clubhouse/facility upgrades. From the iconic red marquee over Wrigley’s main entrance to the iconic ivy-covered walls, what isn’t there to love about Wrigley’s history?
Next. Happ looking to put it all together last season. dark
There you have it, three reasons why Wrigley Field is elite. Still don’t believe me? Hopefully, next season life will go back to normal and you will be able to go and see for yourself. Trust me; there’s nothing better than the green ivy, $12 beers and a beautiful sunny day.