While Opening Day isn’t an official holiday, it is celebrated throughout all of Chicago!
As the 2023 baseball season kicks off, we’re giving you a quick rundown on what you can expect today!
When do the Cubs play?
The Chicago Cubs are playing a home game today starting at 1:20 p.m. taking on the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field! Marcus Stroman will be throwing the first pitch for the beloved Northside team.
When do the gates open?
The gates will open two hours before the first pitch on Opening Day which puts opening gates at 11:20 a.m. For regular season games, the gates open 90 minutes before the first pitch.
What’s special about opening day at Wrigley Field?
Well, this year, it pays to be a fan as they’re giving the first 10,000 fans to enter the stadium a one-of-a-kind Opening Day pin.
How can I get to the stadium?
The CTA will be running a series of additional trains and buses before and after Cubs games to accommodate the crowds. Tickets will be $2.25 for the bus.
As for the train, tickets are currently $2.50. The Red Line’s Addison stop is only half a block from Wrigley Field. The Purple Line will stop at Sheridan, which is a three-block walkover, or transfer is available to the Red Line. Also, the southbound Yellow Line transfers to the Red Line at Howard. Plus, the Yellow Line will run until midnight from Howard to accommodate fans going home. Check out a full schedule here.
Free remote parking is available (located at 3900 N. Rockwell St.) during night and weekend games. Plus, there’s a free shuttle that takes you to and from Wrigley Field. Check out all the parking options here.
What’s available to eat at the stadium?
There are a bunch of new food options this year from Small Cheval opening in the bleachers to updated concessions (like Greek feta fries!) and a new outdoor terrace serving drinks! Wrigley Field is a cashless stadium, and there are reverse ATMs available inside where fans can convert cash to cards for use inside the stadium.
What about Opening Day’s pre-game activities?
Fans can expect a flyover by the U.S. Air Force 28th Bomb Wing, along with a rendition of “God Bless America” by Officer Kenyatta Gaines and the national anthem performed by John Vincent.
Alongside the festivities, Cubs broadcaster Pat Hughes (who will be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame this summer!) is set to throw the first pitch of the season, and will also sing the seventh-inning stretch.
Where to broadcast the game:
Sports bars across the city will surely be playing the game this afternoon but if you’re wanting to watch from the comfort of your own home, you can watch live on Marquee Sports Network or stream it on ESPN, FOX, FS1, and TBS.
What about the White Sox?
Don’t worry, they’re playing today too. The game will be against the Astros and starts at 6 p.m. They had their grand opening day this past Monday!
Happy days, Cubs fans! See more: