Questions about Chicago/Wrigley

[jam1975]

I am going to the game tomorrow and am planning on driving up and finding parking somewhere. Any advice for me? I would prefer to find a street spot somewhere to save money. What is this fullerton business? Is there a lot at the stop or just street parking and then taking the el?

No lot, but it's a lot easier to find parking, and it's like a 4 minute train ride straight to the stadium. Don't be confused though, parking still isn't guaranteed. You'll probably have to drive around the block once or twice if you're getting there late. I lived on Fullerton right by the el for five years, so I know the best places to look for spots when I go. That's why I always park there.

 

And Vance, you're probably better off walking, or just spending the two bucks on a cab. You're really not very far at all, so I say just take the walk.

 

Thanks. I'll be driving in from the St. Louis area. Any hints on how to get to the hotel?

 

Vance,

 

That's the hotel I stay at when I go up to Chicago. It's about 3/4 of a mile from Wrigley and a straight walk up Clark. About 2 blocks up there's a Walgreens you can stop at and pick up any water, sunscreen, etc you may need for the game and then as you get closer to the ballpark there are tons of restaurants and bars you can stop in to break up the walk too.

 

It's a pretty easy trip from St. Louis. Take 70 or 270 to I-55 North and take that all the way to Chicago. Get off on South Lake Shore Drive headed north. Take the Fullerton exit, left on Fullerton, then Right on Clark. The hotel is on Diversey but the parking garage is on Clark just past the hotel on your left. Just print the directions from Mapquest for added peace of mind though.

 

Those directions on Mapquest tell you to get on the Dan Ryan for like 5 miles. There is major road construction going on. All I have heard is stay away from 90/94 at all costs.

 

They must have changed the route you take on Mapquest from last year then because I'm staring at printed directions from the site that have you take 55 to Lake Shore. I would agree to avoid 90/94 at all costs.

[mjohnson71]

I am going to the game tomorrow and am planning on driving up and finding parking somewhere. Any advice for me? I would prefer to find a street spot somewhere to save money. What is this fullerton business? Is there a lot at the stop or just street parking and then taking the el?

No lot, but it's a lot easier to find parking, and it's like a 4 minute train ride straight to the stadium. Don't be confused though, parking still isn't guaranteed. You'll probably have to drive around the block once or twice if you're getting there late. I lived on Fullerton right by the el for five years, so I know the best places to look for spots when I go. That's why I always park there.

 

And Vance, you're probably better off walking, or just spending the two bucks on a cab. You're really not very far at all, so I say just take the walk.

 

Thanks. I'll be driving in from the St. Louis area. Any hints on how to get to the hotel?

 

Vance,

 

That's the hotel I stay at when I go up to Chicago. It's about 3/4 of a mile from Wrigley and a straight walk up Clark. About 2 blocks up there's a Walgreens you can stop at and pick up any water, sunscreen, etc you may need for the game and then as you get closer to the ballpark there are tons of restaurants and bars you can stop in to break up the walk too.

 

It's a pretty easy trip from St. Louis. Take 70 or 270 to I-55 North and take that all the way to Chicago. Get off on South Lake Shore Drive headed north. Take the Fullerton exit, left on Fullerton, then Right on Clark. The hotel is on Diversey but the parking garage is on Clark just past the hotel on your left. Just print the directions from Mapquest for added peace of mind though.

 

Those directions on Mapquest tell you to get on the Dan Ryan for like 5 miles. There is major road construction going on. All I have heard is stay away from 90/94 at all costs.

 

They must have changed the route you take on Mapquest from last year then because I'm staring at printed directions from the site that have you take 55 to Lake Shore. I would agree to avoid 90/94 at all costs.

 

googlemaps always seems to push people away from LSD and to the Dan Ryan. I just did St. Louis to Wrigley and google takes you up the D-Ryan to Damon.

[sethuel1]

The Dan Ryan is currently 2 or 3 lanes, possibly in either direction. It changes traffic patterns on almost a daily basis. Don't take it. No matter what mapquest says.

 

 

If you're coming from St. Louis, take I-55 to LSD.

[Andy]

If you're coming from St. Louis, take I-55 to LSD.

I'm sure Dwight Gooden knows that route well.

[gus_dog]

You can also do the $6 DeVry lot. Just remember the shuttle stops running 1 hour after the game: so if you're planning to party post-game: keep it short.

 

Yeah, but you can still catch the Addison bus to Western, and then hoof it a couple blocks.

[MPrior]

For one thing, you guys are SERIOUSLY making me miss Chicago. Oh how I miss good public transportation! Stupid L.A.

 

On the topic of other things I miss, Giordano's is probably my favorite Chicago-style pizza, although I'm a big Lou Malnati's fan, too.

 

And I feel like I had something actually worthwhile to contribute to this thread, but I have since forgotten what it was. Sorry.

[jwhatti]

Vance, It is an easy walk, about 20 minutes at an easy pace from clark and diversey. I live a few block west of your hotel at sheffield and diversey and I make the walk all the time, and I will every saturday that they are home this year!

 

As for parking on the streets. Lakeview is a 383 zone and you do not need any permits to park there before 6 pm. The areas that are LV2, I am not sure about those. I think those are not zoned areas, but need permits only for night games.

 

Best Pizza in town: D'agastino's on Southport and Addison - about 4 blocks west of wrigley. after that Rinali's on clark and any of the lou malnati's are good.

[Guest]

i'll add to the questions, why not?

 

at the best western o'hare in rosemont...i know there's a blue line el stop at o'hare, but does anyone know if the best western is within walking distance of this el stop, or does it offer a free shuttle to and from the el stop? thanks.

It's not walkable, but your hotel does offer a 24-hour shuttle service to the airport according to its website. The shuttles that drop you off at the airport drop you off directly above the O'Hare El stop. Just look for the overhead signs, they'll tell you how to get from the bus/shuttle center to the train station.

 

If you want to walk to an El stop your best bet is to find a hotel closer to the Rosement station. It's on N River Road, and there are at least a couple hotels within a few blocks of that stop.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Thanks for all the help, everyone. I'm sure I'll have some more questions as my trip nears.

[mbennum]

Wow, this thread went off on a tangent after I left work yesterday. :P

 

Thanks again to everyone for all the help, and go cubbies! :D

[cubtastic]

Yet another example of why this is an awsome board! NSBB Rocks! Since this appears to be the help thread, are the bleachers still GA or are they assigned seating now?

[Laura]

Welcome to the forums!

 

The bleachers are still general admission except for the new "bleacher box seats" in the far right field.

[jwhatti]

And the family section in far left field is gone now too. The bleacher section goes all the way to the foul pole

[cubtastic]

Thanks!

 

Cool....good info in the guidlines too...i'll try to be a good boy :wink:

[karenmac]

i'll add to the questions, why not?

 

at the best western o'hare in rosemont...i know there's a blue line el stop at o'hare, but does anyone know if the best western is within walking distance of this el stop, or does it offer a free shuttle to and from the el stop? thanks.

It's not walkable, but your hotel does offer a 24-hour shuttle service to the airport according to its website. The shuttles that drop you off at the airport drop you off directly above the O'Hare El stop. Just look for the overhead signs, they'll tell you how to get from the bus/shuttle center to the train station.

 

If you want to walk to an El stop your best bet is to find a hotel closer to the Rosement station. It's on N River Road, and there are at least a couple hotels within a few blocks of that stop.

 

As I mentioned before, we have stayed in Rosemont a number of times, and the Best Western is not really near the Rosemont stop - from there it would be better to take the free shuttle to the airport, then catch things there. If you would rather use the Rosemont station, the couple of hotels that are fairly near there (that we've stayed at) are:

The Chicago Marriott Suites (probably the closest)

Westin O'Hare

Embassy Suites

 

None of these places are cheap, but they are nice.

 

Have a great trip! :)

[rocket]

i'll add to the questions, why not?

 

at the best western o'hare in rosemont...i know there's a blue line el stop at o'hare, but does anyone know if the best western is within walking distance of this el stop, or does it offer a free shuttle to and from the el stop? thanks.

It's not walkable, but your hotel does offer a 24-hour shuttle service to the airport according to its website. The shuttles that drop you off at the airport drop you off directly above the O'Hare El stop. Just look for the overhead signs, they'll tell you how to get from the bus/shuttle center to the train station.

 

If you want to walk to an El stop your best bet is to find a hotel closer to the Rosement station. It's on N River Road, and there are at least a couple hotels within a few blocks of that stop.

 

As I mentioned before, we have stayed in Rosemont a number of times, and the Best Western is not really near the Rosemont stop - from there it would be better to take the free shuttle to the airport, then catch things there. If you would rather use the Rosemont station, the couple of hotels that are fairly near there (that we've stayed at) are:

The Chicago Marriott Suites (probably the closest)

Westin O'Hare

Embassy Suites

 

Thanks for the info.

 

None of these places are cheap, but they are nice.

 

Have a great trip! :)

[Guest]

i'll add to the questions, why not?

 

at the best western o'hare in rosemont...i know there's a blue line el stop at o'hare, but does anyone know if the best western is within walking distance of this el stop, or does it offer a free shuttle to and from the el stop? thanks.

It's not walkable, but your hotel does offer a 24-hour shuttle service to the airport according to its website. The shuttles that drop you off at the airport drop you off directly above the O'Hare El stop. Just look for the overhead signs, they'll tell you how to get from the bus/shuttle center to the train station.

 

If you want to walk to an El stop your best bet is to find a hotel closer to the Rosement station. It's on N River Road, and there are at least a couple hotels within a few blocks of that stop.

 

As I mentioned before, we have stayed in Rosemont a number of times, and the Best Western is not really near the Rosemont stop - from there it would be better to take the free shuttle to the airport, then catch things there. If you would rather use the Rosemont station, the couple of hotels that are fairly near there (that we've stayed at) are:

The Chicago Marriott Suites (probably the closest)

Westin O'Hare

Embassy Suites

 

None of these places are cheap, but they are nice.

I've stayed at that Mariott a couple of times and I highly recommend it.

Edited April 11, 2006 by Anonymous

[rocket]

i'll add to the questions, why not?

 

at the best western o'hare in rosemont...i know there's a blue line el stop at o'hare, but does anyone know if the best western is within walking distance of this el stop, or does it offer a free shuttle to and from the el stop? thanks.

It's not walkable, but your hotel does offer a 24-hour shuttle service to the airport according to its website. The shuttles that drop you off at the airport drop you off directly above the O'Hare El stop. Just look for the overhead signs, they'll tell you how to get from the bus/shuttle center to the train station.

 

If you want to walk to an El stop your best bet is to find a hotel closer to the Rosement station. It's on N River Road, and there are at least a couple hotels within a few blocks of that stop.

 

As I mentioned before, we have stayed in Rosemont a number of times, and the Best Western is not really near the Rosemont stop - from there it would be better to take the free shuttle to the airport, then catch things there. If you would rather use the Rosemont station, the couple of hotels that are fairly near there (that we've stayed at) are:

The Chicago Marriott Suites (probably the closest)

Westin O'Hare

Embassy Suites

 

None of these places are cheap, but they are nice.

I've stayed at that Mariott a couple of times and I highly reccomend it.

 

I doubt it's in my budget, and if the Best Western offers a 24 hour shuttle to the el stop, that's good enough for me.

[Guest]

i'll add to the questions, why not?

 

at the best western o'hare in rosemont...i know there's a blue line el stop at o'hare, but does anyone know if the best western is within walking distance of this el stop, or does it offer a free shuttle to and from the el stop? thanks.

It's not walkable, but your hotel does offer a 24-hour shuttle service to the airport according to its website. The shuttles that drop you off at the airport drop you off directly above the O'Hare El stop. Just look for the overhead signs, they'll tell you how to get from the bus/shuttle center to the train station.

 

If you want to walk to an El stop your best bet is to find a hotel closer to the Rosement station. It's on N River Road, and there are at least a couple hotels within a few blocks of that stop.

 

As I mentioned before, we have stayed in Rosemont a number of times, and the Best Western is not really near the Rosemont stop - from there it would be better to take the free shuttle to the airport, then catch things there. If you would rather use the Rosemont station, the couple of hotels that are fairly near there (that we've stayed at) are:

The Chicago Marriott Suites (probably the closest)

Westin O'Hare

Embassy Suites

 

None of these places are cheap, but they are nice.

I've stayed at that Mariott a couple of times and I highly reccomend it.

 

I doubt it's in my budget, and if the Best Western offers a 24 hour shuttle to the el stop, that's good enough for me.

Yeah, it's best if you're going with a friend or two to help defray the cost. I've also gone the shuttle to the airport stop route. Just make sure you don't leave your tickets in your hotel room. (That happened to me once. I almost missed the first pitch, and that's after I had planned on getting to Wrigleyville three hours before game time.)

[MikeG]

This is a great thread!

 

I'll be making my first trip to Chicago for the Padres series May 12th-15th.

 

We're going to have plenty of time to wander around the city during our stay. What are some of the attractions and restraunts we should check out?

 

thanks guys

[gus_dog]

This is a great thread!

 

I'll be making my first trip to Chicago for the Padres series May 12th-15th.

 

We're going to have plenty of time to wander around the city during our stay. What are some of the attractions and restraunts we should check out?

 

thanks guys

 

Navy Pier, the number one (by attendance) tourist attraction in Illinois.

Millenium Park (and the Park Cafe - very good food).

Various theatres - 'Rent' and 'Wicked' are both playing this year, among others

North Avenue Beach

Take a cruise on the Lake/River

Top of the Hancock or Sears Tower (Signature Restaurant at Hancock is AWESOME, but very expensive.

 

Seafood - Shaw's Crab House

Pizza - Lou Malnati's (stay away from touristy places like UNO, etc.)

Steak - Chicago Chop House

 

That's just a few things off the top of my head...

[circlechange]

Oh, and a word of warning (not that this applies to you this time, but just for general information)...parking for night games is well over $25. Wrigleyville Dogs now charges $40, and they're not even EZ out.

 

Also, a lot fot he area around the park is zone 383, while some of it is zone LV2. Zone 383 requires a sticker 24/7. LV2 only requires a sticker from 5-10 PM.

 

Both zones have towing instead of ticketing during night games.

 

A couple of years ago when Reds where in town for a night game I saw the cops towing a Honda CRV with Ohio plates and a Reds spare tire cover. It was parked by Racine and Wavland and I wonder if they picked on that vehicle because it was out of town?

 

If I were them I would have at least taken the Reds sparetire cover off.

Without a guest pass or, obviously, a resident sticker, even Ron Santo's car would have gotten towed from there at night.

[circlechange]

Vance, It is an easy walk, about 20 minutes at an easy pace from clark and diversey. I live a few block west of your hotel at sheffield and diversey and I make the walk all the time, and I will every saturday that they are home this year!

 

As for parking on the streets. Lakeview is a 383 zone and you do not need any permits to park there before 6 pm. The areas that are LV2, I am not sure about those. I think those are not zoned areas, but need permits only for night games.

 

Best Pizza in town: D'agastino's on Southport and Addison - about 4 blocks west of wrigley. after that Rinali's on clark and any of the lou malnati's are good.

 

Dude. D'Agostino's is terrible. The only people I've ever known to stomach it are from out of town.

 

And to the original question, I know you're parking at your hotel, but if you are planning on getting there early enough to watch BP, you can find a parking space for free within a couple blocks at most.

 

Also, if you scanned the first 30 pages looking for this topic, that is mighty impressive. Enjoy the game!

[sethuel1]

Vance, It is an easy walk, about 20 minutes at an easy pace from clark and diversey. I live a few block west of your hotel at sheffield and diversey and I make the walk all the time, and I will every saturday that they are home this year!

 

As for parking on the streets. Lakeview is a 383 zone and you do not need any permits to park there before 6 pm. The areas that are LV2, I am not sure about those. I think those are not zoned areas, but need permits only for night games.

 

Best Pizza in town: D'agastino's on Southport and Addison - about 4 blocks west of wrigley. after that Rinali's on clark and any of the lou malnati's are good.

 

Dude. D'Agostino's is terrible. The only people I've ever known to stomach it are from out of town.

 

And to the original question, I know you're parking at your hotel, but if you are planning on getting there early enough to watch BP, you can find a parking space for free within a couple blocks at most.

 

Also, if you scanned the first 30 pages looking for this topic, that is mighty impressive. Enjoy the game!

 

I actually like some of D'Agostino's thin crust pizzas.

[mbennum]

Also, if you scanned the first 30 pages looking for this topic, that is mighty impressive. Enjoy the game!

 

Lots of free time at work, and a fast internet connection :twisted:

 

I'm pumped, hopefully it goes better than todays game did though. :x