Chicago (NL) – Wrigley Field

Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs

A Walk Off to Kick Off the Road Trip to 30

June 29, 2026
Chicago Cubs vs. San Diego Padres

The road trip to my 30th Major League ballpark has officially begun! My journey down south kicked off with a stop at historic Wrigley Field in Chicago to watch the Cubs take on the San Diego Padres.
- 3rd visit to Wrigley Field
- 3rd different Cubs’ matchup
- 3rd different ballpark watching the Padres
I drove down from Minneapolis and parked at Linden, which made for a smooth train ride to the stadium. One of the best parts of this journey is the people I see along the way, and I was thrilled to meet up with Erika before the game, who currently works for the Cubs and whom I had previously met in Minnesota.

Walking Wrigleyville

I arrived at the Addison stop about 3:30 p.m. for the 7:05 p.m. Monday night game, and Wrigleyville was already filled with Cubs and Padres fans buzzing with excitement for the matchup. Before heading inside, I took a walk around the stadium’s historic exterior to soak in the atmosphere.

I couldn’t miss the iconic Wrigley Field marquee, which perfectly set the stage by displaying “SHO TIME 7:05 P.M.”

It was incredible to see the statues honoring Cubs legends, including Harry Caray at the Budweiser Bleachers entrance, Ryne Sandberg, and Ron Santo.

Seat Selection

Section 222 Row 7

Once inside the Friendly Confines, I made my way to my spot for the evening. This was a fun milestone for me, as it was my first time getting a ticket on the lower level! Anyone who has been to Wrigley Field knows that the historic architecture can sometimes make sightlines tricky, so I was absolutely thrilled to have a seat completely free from any pillar obstructions, giving me a perfect, clear view of the field.

Ballpark Food of Choice

You can’t catch a game in Chicago without indulging in the local staples. For this visit, I went with the Italian Beef and Sausage Sandwich. It was exactly the kind of hearty meal you need to fuel a massive baseball road trip, and I washed it down perfectly with a soda in a commemorative Cubs souvenir cup.

Game Highlights

Right before the first pitch, I checked out the starting lineups on the Wintrust video board. The matchup did not disappoint, ending in a dramatic 3-2 win for the Cubs.
- Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga had a fantastic outing, pitching into the seventh inning and successfully keeping the Padres in the ballpark.
- In the fifth, Seiya Suzuki hit a clutch sacrifice fly to deep center field, allowing Dansby Swanson to hustle home and tie the game at 2-2.
- The magic happened in the bottom of the ninth when Suzuki hit a deep fly ball off the ivy-covered wall for a walk-off single against Padres closer Mason Miller.
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Touch All 30 (@touchall30)

With Wrigley Field in the books, I’ll be breaking up the rest of the drive by checking out some incredible minor league parks in Memphis and Nashville on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Friday 1:20

September 12, 2025

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.
Cubs vs. Reds

September 30, 2022
- 1st visit to Wrigley Field (MLB Ballpark #15)
- 2nd different ballpark watching the Chicago Cubs
- 4th different ballpark watching the Cincinnati Reds
On the final weekend of the regular season, we decided to take an impromptu trip from Minneapolis to Chicago to finally see Wrigley Field. We did not get to Wrigley when we were in Chicago in May so we had to make up for it. This game would also be the 3rd time in 2022 that we would watch the Cincinnati Reds.

Friday Games

Fridays are unique in Wrigleyville in that the Cubs always play those games at 1:20 p.m. For the end of the week, it is a refreshing change of pace to start the weekend with baseball in the sun.

Seat Selection
- Section 321R (Upper deck 1st base side)
For the best infield seats both lower deck and upper deck, look for seats in the 100 or 300 sections. These sections will be in front of the pillars that surround the ballpark so you will not have to deal with any obstructed views.

Ballpark Features
- Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame
The Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame can be found underneath the outfield bleachers. The Hall of Fame has plaques display of all of its members as well as memorabilia and relics throughout Cubs’ history.

Foods at the Ballpark
- Italian Beef and Sausage
Wrigley Field has your typically ballpark fare. I do recommend the Italian beef, Italian sausage, or the combined Italian beef and sausage right off the grill.

Parking and Transportation

The area around Wrigley Field has very few options for parking.

The Metro Red Line also runs right next to Wrigley Field. If you want to avoid traffic, use public transit and take the Metro Red Line to go to the game.

Hotels

There are some hotels near Wrigley Field that can make for a convenient walk to the game.

Hotels in downtown Chicago are typically nearby the Metro line, which makes it convenient to take the train to the game.

Hotels by Chicago Midway Airport can be a more affordable option for places to stay when visiting Chicago, but you will either need to drive to the ballpark or take an Uber or Lyft.