Chicago Cubs vs. Tampa Bay Rays
The Friday game at Wrigley Field is the second of a four-day four-ballpark stretch with Ian from Canada and the second of two games watching the visiting Tampa Bay Rays.
This game is my 4th different ballpark watching the Rays in 2025. I am not purposely following the Rays but, sometimes, that’s just how the odds work.
Every baseball fan should experience a Friday afternoon game at Wrigley Field. Part of what makes the experience unique is that the Cubs are the only team that regularly hosts a Friday game at 1:20 p.m. Friday afternoon games are a regular tradition and games sell out regularly for these games.
Seat Selection
Section 420R Row 4
One of the challenges of finding low-priced value seats at Wrigley Field is finding a seat that does not have a pillar in your view. You are safe with any seat in the 100 and 300 Sections, as well as the Outfield Bleachers. In the 200 and 400 Sections, there is always a chance of having an obstructed view. Fortunately, we are obstruction free. We are also shaded the whole game so we got that bit of comfort.
Ballpark Features
Wrigley Field is the second oldest active Major League ballpark (with Fenway Park in Boston being the oldest). The features of the ballpark offer a mix of historical tribute and modern amenities.
Marquee
One of Wrigley’s most notable features is the red marquee that adorns the outside of the southwest corner of the ballpark. For many fans, it’s an opportune place for a selfie.
World Series Trophy
In the lower level concourse, the Cubs have a space where fans can take a picture with the 2016 World Series trophy. The World Series trophy has become one of my regular scavenger hunt items when I visit ballparks.
Gallagher Way
Gallagher Way is a gathering space outside the west side of Wrigley Field where people can hang out before entering the ballpark. Gallagher Way also hosts a number of statues of Cubs legends, including Hall of Fame second baseman, Ryne Sandberg, who had passed away in July.
Game Highlights
On Friday games in 2025, the Cubs take the field in their alternate blue jerseys.
Unlike the White Sox, who are well out of playoff contention, the Cubs are very much in the playoff hunt and they showed it in their 6-4 win over the Rays. Christopher Morel, current Ray and former Cub, enjoyed his return to Wrigley Field with a 3-run home run to start the game. However, the Cubs would come back with Ian Happ, the Cubs’ top performer, hitting 3-for-4 with a home run, double, and 2 RBI.
Postgame Bonus
One of the cool things about ballpark chasing is meeting some really cool people along the way. And one of those cool people is Erika, who works for the Cubs, and who I met when the Cubs visited Target Field in July. I told Erika I would be at Wrigley and she hooked me up with an awesome perk: getting my picture on the field.
