Cubs fans still prove Wrigley Field is special despite frustration with direction

Wrigley Field was a-buzz Friday afternoon as the Cubs finally returned to Chicago to play at the corner of Clark and Addison.

40,244 fans packed The Friendly Confines on a cold, gloomy day, and the energy could be felt even by those watching on TV or listening to Pat Hughes on the radio. Even during the pregame ceremonies when Kyle Tucker was first announced, the buzz felt on another level.

While not a high-scoring, action-packed affair, the game kept the fans on the edge of their seats. Watching Shota Imanaga, who has become a fan favorite on the North Side, pitch another gem and watching the Cubs play some small ball in big spots against a terrific Padres team gave the feeling of a crucial late-season/October game. From beginning to end, the energy and atmosphere at Wrigley during the home opener were second to none.

This occurred during a weird time in Cubs fandom. It's a time when the team looks like they have a shot to compete, but still could and/or should have invested more to close the gap between them and other contenders. Fans have been frustrated that their team in the third-largest market in America has not attempted to acquire guys like Bryce Harper, Juan Soto, and Corbin Burnes, among others, over recent years. Add to the fact that fans generally do not believe the Cubs will give Tucker a long-term contract. Owner Tom Ricketts' infamous "break even" comments on the radio during Cubs Convention this past offseason shook the hornet's nest.

Despite public sentiment, Cubs fans still make Wrigley Field feel special

Despite all that, Wrigley was packed with the same passionate fans who live and die with the team. Sure, it's not like the team is projected to lose 100+ games in a rebuild season, or has a payroll as low as the Athletics or Marlins. But fans pay premium prices to attend Cubs games now, and the team has their own broadcast network, sportsbook, and businesses around Wrigleyville, and people feel they should act more like other big market teams. Especially considering the last few years they've finished with 83 wins and no postseason. Goes to show that no matter the frustration (look at the century's worth), the fans' loyalty doesn't waiver. Even if not seen as a World Series-caliber team, there are good players to watch and fun to be had at Wrigley Field, and that will keep the fans coming.

It's easy to point fingers and say the Cubs operate the way they do because fans keep going. That they have no reason to change if people still show up. On one hand, it makes sense to look at it that way. On the flip side, consider that other teams have operated with much smaller budgets and their stadiums do not draw nearly what the Cubs do, and they continue with their ways. Fans not showing up likely won't suddenly prompt giving Tucker a $500+ million extension if they don't plan to now.

In the end, the fans love the team. Even if they are frustrated or upset, unconditional love prevails. "The team won 83 games again and beer is $14 now? Absurd!" *pays anyway.* That is the nature of die-hard fandom. With the energy and joy felt on Friday afternoon, it was a great way to forget any ill feelings and enjoy everything about what makes Cubs fandom and Wrigley Field special.