Wrigley Field

[BeerHere]

Moving from a baseball landmark and storied tradition because it "only has L transportation" and isn't surrounded by a prarie that can't complain about expansion would be a very, very bad idea.

 

Keep the Cubs playing in Chicago, and keep the traditions alive -- among them, getting off the train and walking to the ballpark.

 

And for those that don't live near an L stop? Screw them right, I mean they can't possibly be Cubs fans right? :roll:

 

Where did I mention a prairie?

 

Soldier Field is close to the L, close the two highways, close to a major road for buses and cabs (LakeShore Drive).

 

Have you ever tried to drive to or from a Bears game? It's a nightmare. Also Soldier field is not close to any L stops. It's a hike from the nearest one.

 

Yes and it's close to the Roosevelt stop on the redline. Take a cab or walk from there. I have driven to Bears games, as well as taken the L and buses. I'll admit, none are perfect but at least they are options. With Wrigley, the only viable options are taking the L or driving and parking at a remote lot (which are free and have a free shuttle by the way which is fantastic). They tried to build a remote lot closer to the park and the neighborhood said "No". Buses and cabs are horrible after games.

 

Has anyone here been to a game at BankOne? Or Safeco? Or Turner? All have very good access to public transportation. Not to mention all of the fan/family friendly aspects that I mentioned about the Cell, shorter lines, better statistics, better food, better walkways, better sight lines.....

 

What are you talking about? Since when did Phoenix get light rail/subway? Seattle only has one stupid short monorail line that goes nowhere near Safeco. Atlanta: their train line goes nowhere near Turner.

 

Public transportation <> just trains (subway/L)

 

Turner Field has a multiple taxi stations, same for Safeco. The buses run on roads that are more than 1 lane (plus side parking) in each direction. Plus, they have PARKING. Wrigley is close to the L, but that is it. If you live anywhere other than the city it is hard to get to. The remote lots are great but the shuttle is slow along Addison and Belmont. It takes the shuttle 45 minutes to travel 3 miles.

[cubscausestress]

 

We're going to have to disagree here. Wrigley is much easier to get to than Soldier Field. I went to 7 Bears game last year and about 15 Cubs games. It's really not even close. I also live closer to Soldier Field than Wrigley Field.

 

It's also a nightmare leaving the Soldier field parking lot after the game, it's impossible to get a cab after the game (unless you take a 30 min walk) and it's a long walk to the Roosevelt L stop. If you don't get there 3 hours before the game you can't fit in the parking lots close to the stadium and are forced to park at McCormick place or some such garbage. I absolutely can't agree that Soldier field is easier to access than Wrigley.

 

All games as a PITA to get to and from. This isn't exclusive to Wrigley.

 

ruby vroom is damn good.

[Exile on Waveland]

Moving from a baseball landmark and storied tradition because it "only has L transportation" and isn't surrounded by a prarie that can't complain about expansion would be a very, very bad idea.

 

Keep the Cubs playing in Chicago, and keep the traditions alive -- among them, getting off the train and walking to the ballpark.

 

And for those that don't live near an L stop? Screw them right, I mean they can't possibly be Cubs fans right? :roll:

 

Where did I mention a prairie?

 

Soldier Field is close to the L, close the two highways, close to a major road for buses and cabs (LakeShore Drive).

 

Have you ever tried to drive to or from a Bears game? It's a nightmare. Also Soldier field is not close to any L stops. It's a hike from the nearest one.

 

Yes and it's close to the Roosevelt stop on the redline. Take a cab or walk from there. I have driven to Bears games, as well as taken the L and buses. I'll admit, none are perfect but at least they are options. With Wrigley, the only viable options are taking the L or driving and parking at a remote lot (which are free and have a free shuttle by the way which is fantastic). They tried to build a remote lot closer to the park and the neighborhood said "No". Buses and cabs are horrible after games.

 

Has anyone here been to a game at BankOne? Or Safeco? Or Turner? All have very good access to public transportation. Not to mention all of the fan/family friendly aspects that I mentioned about the Cell, shorter lines, better statistics, better food, better walkways, better sight lines.....

 

What are you talking about? Since when did Phoenix get light rail/subway? Seattle only has one stupid short monorail line that goes nowhere near Safeco. Atlanta: their train line goes nowhere near Turner.

 

Public transportation <> just trains (subway/L)

 

Turner Field has a multiple taxi stations, same for Safeco. The buses run on roads that are more than 1 lane (plus side parking) in each direction. Plus, they have PARKING. Wrigley is close to the L, but that is it. If you live anywhere other than the city it is hard to get to. The remote lots are great but the shuttle is slow along Addison and Belmont. It takes the shuttle 45 minutes to travel 3 miles.

 

Taxis=public transportation?

[J.R.]

Zero parking that is close to the park

 

Unnecessary. Bringing a car anywhere near a Chicago venue with the kind of L access that Wrigley has is insane. Why fight that battle?

 

Multiple obstructed view

 

With a much greater percentage of seats that are closer to the action and have better sightlines that comparable seats in new parks.

 

Poor movement of people before/after games

 

Are you kidding? I can make two trips back and forth from Wrigley's upper deck in the time it takes to make one ascent to the top of Cincy's GAPB.

 

No fan friendly "extras" that you see at other parks

 

Do you take Ritalin?

 

Only access to public transit is the L, no cab stands and buses take forever to traverse Addison and Clark

 

"Only" transit access? What the hell else do you want?

Who needs cab stands when cabs are all over the place?

Buses take forever to go anywhere in Chicago in heavy traffic situations.

 

Do I need to mention falling concrete?

 

The ballclub has addressed this on a temporary basis, and will permanently deal with it as sections are rebuilt.

 

Visible rust on metal surfaces that have been repainted about a hundred times

 

Steel rusts. Every park with exposed steelwork — a beautiful feature — needs to fight corrosion regularly.

 

Exactly 1 outdoor area where people can go watch the game

 

Forty one thousand seats not enought for you?

 

Loooooooooong lines at everything including vendors, restrooms, gift shop etc.

 

This is a problem in every sold-out park. Wrigley admittedly has fewer concession ports than newer parks, but also employs more traveling vendors in an effort to compensate. More toilets and a freaking shopping mall are planned if the addition ever gets built.

 

Stairs in the bleechers are steep and downward sloped

 

Take the elevator.

 

Scoreboard buzzes so loudly that you can't hear the PA

 

The scoreboard makes noise? I've had seats right under the thing and have no idea what you're talking about.

 

Scoreboard is pathetic and only displays BASIC statistical information for players

 

Pathetic? It's the easiest to read in MLB precisely because it isn't overloaded with trivial information and advertising.

[BeerHere]

Ugh, this thread has me irritated

 

Me too, but for completely different reasons.

 

Your great memories as a kid of watching games at Wrigley, was it because of the exploding scoreboard and speed pitch they had back then, or was it the rotissierie chicken stand?

 

No, it was spending time with my Dad, but your sarcasm is appreciated none the less.

 

I would much rather get on a crowded el train than wait for a half hour in a parking lot to get out like you do in every parking lot anywhere in the country. Where do you live that an el to a remote parking lot or an el to a metra doesn't work out for you?

 

Your personal preference. I live in the burbs and used to live in Wrigleyville. Like I said earlier, the remote parking lots are fantastic. That is the only option if you live in the burbs.

 

Regarding Arlington, unless you were there for the Million, it's irrelevant. Arlington isn't packing in 40,000 a day. I'd be surprised if they're bringing in 10,000.

 

Like I said, I've been there when it's packed and the movement of people is far superior. As it is in Safeco and Turner.

 

Regarding sight lines, as I already predicted earlier, people look to the obstructed views on the main level and ignore the far superior sight lines in the upper deck. Saying the Cell has better sight lines than Wrigley is ridiculous when you take into account the upper decks.

 

The upper deck where you can't see a home run until it lands in the stands? Or the mezz level where you can't see popups until they're caught?

 

Look, all that I'm saying is that it's ridiculous to keep Wrigley for the history of the place. It's falling apart and there are better options available if the new owner decides. Everyone here has grabbed onto the transportation aspects of the points made earlier. The fact remains, Wrigley has access to the L and remote lots. Buses are awful, taxis are aweful, access to highways is awful.

 

There are better ways to do things. Better ways to watch games. Different people enjoy different things. To each his/her own. For me, I'll continue to go to my 15 games per year and wonder how much better it will be once Colangelo kicks the administration and neighborhood in the teeth and moves the Cubs to a real ballpark.

[Laura]

Scoreboard buzzes so loudly that you can't hear the PA

 

The scoreboard makes noise? I've had seats right under the thing and have no idea what you're talking about.

 

They had occasional problems with the scoreboard buzzing in '03 & '04 -- the hitter's count display would get hung up on a certain count, I think it was changing from ball 2 to ball 3, and that caused a buzzing -- but that has been fixed for at least a year or two.

 

They upgraded the sound system in the bleachers during renovation to the point where Al Yellon had constant complaints last year about the PA system being too loud.

 

Scoreboard is pathetic and only displays BASIC statistical information for players

 

Pathetic? It's the easiest to read in MLB precisely because it isn't overloaded with trivial information and advertising.

 

I've never had a problem following the game at Wrigley due to scoreboard issues, but I've noticed that fans of other teams are much more used to relying on the scoreboard to figure out substitutions, etc.

[BeerHere]

Zero parking that is close to the park

 

Unnecessary. Bringing a car anywhere near a Chicago venue with the kind of L access that Wrigley has is insane. Why fight that battle?Cause the Cubs have fans that live outside the city

 

Multiple obstructed view

 

With a much greater percentage of seats that are closer to the action and have better sightlines that comparable seats in new parks.So screw the people that can't get those seats?

 

No fan friendly "extras" that you see at other parks

 

Do you take Ritalin? :roll:

 

Only access to public transit is the L, no cab stands and buses take forever to traverse Addison and Clark

 

"Only" transit access? What the hell else do you want?

Who needs cab stands when cabs are all over the place?

Buses take forever to go anywhere in Chicago in heavy traffic situations.

Do I need to mention falling concrete?

Exactly my point

 

The ballclub has addressed this on a temporary basis, and will permanently deal with it as sections are rebuilt.Must get City Council approval first. It took two years to get the bleecher expansion approved and the Cubs haven't started the process yet with the city

 

Visible rust on metal surfaces that have been repainted about a hundred times

Steel rusts. Every park with exposed steelwork needs to fight corrosion regularly.Exactly my point. You pay your hard earned money and are forced to stare at rusted steel as you wait in line at the gift shop.

 

Exactly 1 outdoor area where people can go watch the game

 

Forty one thousand seats not enought for you? 1 is plenty.

 

Stairs in the bleechers are steep and downward sloped

 

Take the elevator.It took them two years to get this approved by City Council

 

Scoreboard buzzes so loudly that you can't hear the PA

 

The scoreboard makes noise? I've had seats right under the thing and have no idea what you're talking about.I doubt you have ever sat under the scoreboard

 

Scoreboard is pathetic and only displays BASIC statistical information for players

 

Pathetic? It's the easiest to read in MLB precisely because it isn't overloaded with trivial information and advertising.

How about OBP or SLG? Too trivial for you? Edited April 6, 2007 by BeerHere

[J.R.]

For me, I'll continue to go to my 15 games per year and wonder how much better it will be once Colangelo kicks the administration and neighborhood in the teeth and moves the Cubs to a real ballpark.

 

LOL

[BeerHere]

For the record I'm a huge Cubs fan.

 

 

Just don't like the park and pray the new owner agrees.

 

I should also mention that I'm also a season ticket holder, have been since '97. Myself and a good friend split four seats each year. The only reason that I don't go to more games is that I travel with my job and go to every game I can while home. I haven't been to more than 15 games in each of the last three years but should get to at least 20 this year.

 

There is much more to loving a team than loving the park.

 

The buddy that splits the tickets with me doesn't share my opinion and is also a poster here.

Edited April 6, 2007 by BeerHere

[SouthSideRyan]

BeerHere, if you don't mind my asking, where do you live? I don't exactly live off the El stop, with the closest one being about 5 miles from my house,(cause really who cares about the south siders) but I've never had a problem parking for free, or in rare occurences for about 2 bucks at the train station and going from there. I can't imagine you wouldn't have a similar option.

[Chocolate Milk]

I can't express how much I would loathe the Cubs moving to the Suburbs. It would be horrible.

[BeerHere]

BeerHere, if you don't mind my asking, where do you live? I don't exactly live off the El stop, with the closest one being about 5 miles from my house,(cause really who cares about the south siders) but I've never had a problem parking for free, or in rare occurences for about 2 bucks at the train station and going from there. I can't imagine you wouldn't have a similar option.

 

I live in Cary, IL. Far northwest suburb near Crystal Lake. I lived in Wrigleyville for 8 years until I was married 5 years ago. Cary has a Metra stop which is less than 2 miles from my house. Closest stop to Wrigley is a Clybourne which is a cab ride from the park. I also drive a lot and the remote lots (like I said) are fantastic but the shuttle takes 45 minutes to get from Addison and the Kennedy to the park. So on days when I'm forced to work a little later I miss the first inning.

 

http://metrarail.com/

[BeerHere]

I can't express how much I would loathe the Cubs moving to the Suburbs. It would be horrible.

I would be willing to bet that you live in the city. Am I correct?

[Chocolate Milk]

I can't express how much I would loathe the Cubs moving to the Suburbs. It would be horrible.

I would be willing to bet that you live in the city. Am I correct?

 

Yup.

[Laura]

I live in NW Indiana and end up driving to Cubs games 90% of the time. For night games, the shuttle lot is great. I've never had the shuttle take 45 minutes in transit to/from Wrigley and the lot ... I guess I've either been lucky or you've been unlucky. I've used it probably 20 times.

[BeerHere]

I live in NW Indiana and end up driving to Cubs games 90% of the time. For night games, the shuttle lot is great. I've never had the shuttle take 45 minutes in transit to/from Wrigley and the lot ... I guess I've either been lucky or you've been unlucky. I've used it probably 20 times.

 

Do you use the shuttle on Addison (remote lot is DeVry) or the one on Bellmont (by Western)?

[BeerHere]

I can't express how much I would loathe the Cubs moving to the Suburbs. It would be horrible.

I would be willing to bet that you live in the city. Am I correct?

 

Yup.

 

Color me shocked

[Laura]

I live in NW Indiana and end up driving to Cubs games 90% of the time. For night games, the shuttle lot is great. I've never had the shuttle take 45 minutes in transit to/from Wrigley and the lot ... I guess I've either been lucky or you've been unlucky. I've used it probably 20 times.

 

Do you use the shuttle on Addison (remote lot is DeVry) or the one on Bellmont (by Western)?

 

DeVry. For day games I sometimes use the Irving Park lot under the El that the Cubs have leased. It's a 3 -4 block walk to Wrigley.

[Chocolate Milk]

I can't express how much I would loathe the Cubs moving to the Suburbs. It would be horrible.

I would be willing to bet that you live in the city. Am I correct?

 

Yup.

 

Color me shocked

 

As shocked as I am to hear someone from Cary that wants a new stadium at thier doorstep. Sorry it takes you so long to get to the game, for some reason. You live in Cary, not sure what you expect.

[J.R.]

Cause the Cubs have fans that live outside the city

 

As someone who travels to the games from several hundred miles away, I agree wholeheartedly.

 

So screw the people that can't get those seats?

 

You'd rather that all fans deal with worse seats just so you can sit in unobstructed nosebleed seats that, being considerably higher in the air than Wrigley's could actually cause a nosebleed?

 

I'd rather deal with the poles at Wrigley than sit upstairs in any other MLB park. Aside from PNC, they're just too high up.

 

:roll:

 

It was a legitimate question. If a beautiful park, baseball, beer, buddies and hot women aren't enough entertainment enough for you, then you must be an ADD case.

 

Must get City Council approval first. It took two years to get the bleecher expansion approved and the Cubs haven't started the process yet with the city

 

It got done, didn't it?

 

Exactly my point. You pay your hard earned money and are forced to stare at rusted steel as you wait in line at the gift shop.

 

Of all the things to look at during a Cubs home game, you're staring at the ceiling? God help ya.

 

Like I said, steel rusts everywhere.

 

I doubt you have ever sat under the scoreboard

 

Do I have to show you pictures or something? How about a notarized letter?

 

How about OBP or SLG? Too trivial for you?

 

If you aren't somewhat familiar with these stats beforehand, I seriously question your interest in them at the park. They're just a click away.

[Chocolate Milk]

Cause the Cubs have fans that live outside the city

 

As someone who travels to the games from several hundred miles away, I agree wholeheartedly.

 

So screw the people that can't get those seats?

 

You'd rather that all fans deal with worse seats just so you can sit in unobstructed nosebleed seats that, being considerably higher in the air than Wrigley's could actually cause a nosebleed?

 

I'd rather deal with the poles at Wrigley than sit upstairs in any other MLB park. Aside from PNC, they're just too high up.

 

:roll:

 

It was a legitimate question. If a beautiful park, baseball, beer, buddies and hot women aren't enough entertainment enough for you, then you must be an ADD case.

 

Must get City Council approval first. It took two years to get the bleecher expansion approved and the Cubs haven't started the process yet with the city

 

It got done, didn't it?

 

Exactly my point. You pay your hard earned money and are forced to stare at rusted steel as you wait in line at the gift shop.

 

Of all the things to look at during a Cubs home game, you're staring at the ceiling? God help ya.

 

Like I said, steel rusts everywhere.

 

I doubt you have ever sat under the scoreboard

 

Do I have to show you pictures or something? How about a notarized letter?

 

How about OBP or SLG? Too trivial for you?

 

If you aren't somewhat familiar with these stats beforehand, I seriously question your interest in them at the park. They're just a click away.

 

I'm in total agreement with you here.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I've loved my trips to Wrigely. I've never experienced the parking problems as I usually stay in a hotel that is close enough for me to walk to the park.

 

What Wrigley lacks in amenities, it makes up for in its uniqueness. Personally, I'd rather watch a game at Wrigley than any other park. The only park that even came close to taking my breath away like Wrigley has is Fenway.

 

On the other hand, the times I've had to sit in areas where there was a post blocking part of my view, I didn't nearly enjoy the game as much as I might have. Those upper halves of the 200 level seats are horrible.

 

If the Cubs can remain profitable in Wrigley, that will always be my preference. However, if the city and neighborhood continue to interfere with progress at the Friendly Confines or if the Cubs deem they could put forth a better product elsewhere, I'd support them in that decision. My allegiance is to the team and not the field on which they play. Wrigley is part of that heritage, but it isn't the sole reason I'm a Cubs fan, and is likely only a very small part.

 

I'd still probably want to see the Cubs play in their home park once a year whether that's Wrigely or some other venue. I'm not sure I'd have the same experience or not. I'm sure I would as I enjoy seeing the Cubs in Atlanta and even that rinky-dink dump Minute Maid as well.

[BeerHere]

I can't express how much I would loathe the Cubs moving to the Suburbs. It would be horrible.

I would be willing to bet that you live in the city. Am I correct?

 

Yup.

 

Color me shocked

 

As shocked as I am to hear someone from Cary that wants a new stadium at thier doorstep. Sorry it takes you so long to get to the game, for some reason. You live in Cary, not sure what you expect.

 

Never said my doorstep. Your exaggerations are childish.

 

Never said I worked in Cary. He asked where I live. Although I do go to day games, most of the games I attend are at night, after work. I also said that I used to live in Wrigleyville, until I was married 5 years ago. Not sure if you live in Wrigleyville, but if you do you likely rent and your landlord is extremely wealthy, and is living in either Kennilworth, Evanston, Lake Forest or Highland Park. If you think those people give 2 craps about you and your neighborhood you are sadly mistaken. The "Neighborhood Improvement Fund" that the Tribune was forced to pay into goes straight into their pockets. the neighborhood and the city administration treats the Cubs (the team I love) like crap. It's upsetting.

[SouthSideRyan]

Your problem with Wrigleyville seems to be your main problem with the field. I've heard the same complaints about the neighborhood from people who've lived there, but it's not reason enough to move the Cubs out.

[BeerHere]

If you aren't somewhat familiar with these stats beforehand, I seriously question your interest in them at the park.

 

And you know the stats of every visiting player?