Exclusive | I went to a game at Wrigley Field–Why Cubs tickets are a Chicago-must

There’s no time more magical in Chicago than 1:20 p.m. on Fridays.

For the uninitiated, that’s when the hometown Cubs have historically played home games at Wrigley Field before kicking off the weekend.

And, after having wanted needed to attend one of these Friday contests for years, I had the pleasure of seeing the North Siders take on their rival St. Louis Cardinals on Aug. 14.

It was every bit as incredible as I had expected.

From getting off the train at Addison to walking around Wrigleyville to seeing Mr. T throw the first pitch (!) to hearing the crack of the bat live, the experience not only lived up to my expectations but wholly exceeded them. Watching the Cubbies at Wrigley isn’t your average regular season game; it’s a time machine transporting you to what made you fall in love with the sport in the first place.

The sun shines brighter, the crowd cheers louder, the game is more alive here.

Heck, even my mom who doesn’t care about baseball exclaimed “wow” upon taking our seats.

My wife added “it was so cool to be in an almost-sold-out stadium filled with passionate fans full of respect for the game [Editor’s Note: Cubs faithful really show up for the home team] on such a beautiful day.”

Founded in 1914 — making the ballpark the second oldest in the MLB behind the Red Sox’s Fenway Park, which opened their doors in 1912 — Wrigley has undergone a few facelifts over the years but mostly maintains the throwback charm that the stadium such a unique place to witness a baseball game. The manual scoreboard still sits in centerfield. The organist still plays the classics (and modern hits). And, yes, the ivy is still on the walls, which makes the whole affair feel like backyard baseball in the best way.

Nostalgia runs deep here.

Best of all though, there’s no stress.

Going to a game at Wrigley is a special type of relaxation that seemingly exists outside of time and space. When you’re in the ballpark, you can tune out and let the game take over. There’s nothing else.

Simply put, it’s absolutely worth the Friday pilgrimage.

To get you up to speed on all things Wrigley, check out this list of all upcoming 2026 Cubs home game giveaways and a detailed report about what my afternoon at Wrigley Field was like.

When do the Cubs play at home in 2026?

A complete calendar including all 19 remaining Cubs home games at Wrigley Field are listed below.

You can find the Cubs’ complete 2027 regular season schedule here.

Make sure to use promo code NYPOST10 for $10 off purchases over $250 at checkout (Editor’s Note: this discount is only valid for users’ first purchase on SeatGeek).

What giveaways do the Cubs have planned at Wrigley Field?

Hoping to snag some freebies while watching Craig Counsell’s club finish their 2026 campaign?

Below, you’ll find a list of all the giveaways the Cubs have planned at Wrigley Field over the rest of the season (including some sweet retro jerseys).

Note: Most freebies will be given to the first 5,000 fans. There are exceptions so make sure to arrive at the ballpark early.

For more information about special ticket purchases, click here.

What is it like getting to Wrigley Field?

Not so bad (especially if you have a public transit wiz with you).

My wife navigated my parents, four-year-old daughter and me 90 minutes from Oak Park to Wrigleyville by train.

We took the CTA Green Line from the last stop at Harlem to Clark/Lake where we easily transferred to the Brown Line. Finally, after riding a few stops, we switched one last time to Fullerton. There, the five of us boarded the Red Line, which took us to Addison.

Wrigleyville, here we come.

What is Wrigleyville like?

Just as magical as the ballpark.

In the neighborhoods surrounding the stadium, there’s a real baseball culture everywhere you look.

Pride emanates everywhere you look. Everyone wears Cubs gear — my dad chatted up a guy wearing a Bill Madlock jersey while I made small talk with a Carlos Zambrano fan — and the passion is palpable.

There are bars, restaurants and outside vendors with jerseys and novelty T-shirts as far as the eye can see (many wore “St. Louis is boring” tees).

Yet, what’s coolest of all are the famed Wrigley rooftops that fans sit in right behind left field. To get to your seats, you enter a seemingly normal residential home, climb some stairs and find your seat on the roof.

I love you Fenway, Citi Field and Yankee Stadium but there is nothing better in baseball. Watching the game from a block away is the pinnacle of baseball viewing experiences.

Are there attractions outside Wrigley Field?

Yes. Plenty.

Most famously, Gallagher Way outside the main entrance has larger-than-life statues honoring Cubs legends Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, Ron Santo, Fergie Jenkins and Ryne Sandberg (while the bleacher entrance of the stadium memorializes Harry Caray).

But there’s much more than statues to admire around Wrigley’s perimeter.

Gallagher Way is also home to a batting cage, cornhole courts, live music and giveaways (the day I went, vendors were handing out coffee and Pirate’s Booty cheddar popcorn.

Plus, restaurants. So many restaurants.

Hattie B’s fried chicken, Jenni’s ice cream, sports bars…we promise you won’t go hungry at Wrigley Field.

What’s it like inside Wrigley Field?

Friendly and inviting.

In a sea of blue and white — pretty much everyone is wearing a Cubs jersey — modern yet retro dining options honoring the team’s bright lights (and selling nacho helmets and chicken tenders) take up a lot of the real estate as you stroll through the park. Team shops litter the walkways, too. Good luck not walking out with a hat.

Also, there is a small room where you can take a photo with the 2016 World Series trophy. Try and not get chills standing next to a piece of baseball history.

On a more practical level, my wife and I also visited a spiffy changing station for babies and toddlers within the first aid section. The staff wasn’t only kind, they were genuinely helpful.

My only complaint?

I chose the Aug. 14 game because there was a retro ’80s Cubs jersey giveaway that day. Turns out that was only for fans sitting in the bleachers. Oh, well. I should have read the fine print. That’s on me.

What makes games at Wrigley Field so magical?

The smell of the fresh grass. The organist playing Harry Styles and Johnny Cash back-to-back. The constant chatter in the completely full stands. The vendors screaming “HOT DOG! GET YOUR HOT DOG!” The brick on the ground instead of concrete. The mascot, Clark The Cub, popping into our section sporting a comically large glove. Fans drinking out of bats full of beer (yes, really). Pennants lining the top of the upper deck. 

After BP, on a perfect overcast day, the grounds crew readied the infield with precision. Game time.

Mr. T tossed a ball (no need for ABS), the fittingly-named Bear Williams poured his heart into one of the most powerful renditions of the Star Spangled Banner I’ve ever heard (complete with U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and U.S. Navy Blue Angels loudly flying past at “proof the flag was still there”) and we were off.

Cubs fans went wild when the home team took the field as the announcer belted “your Chicago Cubs!” and cheered for each player when they were announced and their Topps trading card was displayed on the jumbotron.

A reverential tribute to the team’s 150th season played and the game began.

Clay Holmes twirled a gem for the Cubs, pitching 6.2 innings of shutout, one-hit ball. Seiyya Suzuki came through in the clutch and went yard, hitting a three-run home run. No other offense necessary. Ryan Rolison, Ryan Zeferjahn and Jacob Webb secured the W for Chicago.

Perfection.

Final verdict: When you’re at Wrigley, there’s a real sense of community, history and pride. And, for one day, we day, we get to be part of the action.

No updates to Wrigley are necessary. This place is magic and never needs to change.

My mom’s favorite part? The seats were “clean and comfortable” and “the covering over the fans prevented sun.”

As for my wife, she liked the sunscreen stations all over the park.

“Eating a whole bag of peanuts myself and throwing all the shells and the bag on the floor,” was my Dad’s favorite part. He added “also great family togetherness time.”

Not to put words in my daughter’s mouth but she thought the game was “a bit loud.” Thankfully, a a trip to the team shop and an ice cream helmet fixed that.

Huge artists coming to Chicago in 2026

Looking to catch a concert or three this summer too?

You’re in the right place, Cubbies/music fans.

Here are just five huge shows you won’t want to miss these next few months.

• Kacey Musgraves with Midland (Aug. 21)

• Eric Clapton with Jimmie Vaughan (Sept. 11)

• Weezer with The Shins (Sept. 22)

• Teddy Swims (Sept. 25)

• Earth Wind and Fire with Lionel Richie (Sept. 30)

Who else is out and about? Take a look at this list of all the biggest artists on tour in 2026 to find the show for you.

This article was written by Matt Levy, New York Post live events reporter. Levy stays up-to-date on all the latest tour announcements from your favorite musical artists and comedians, as well as Broadway openings, sporting events and more live shows – and finds great ticket prices online. Since he started his tenure at the Post in 2022, Levy has reviewed a Bruce Springsteen concert and interviewed Melissa Villaseñor of SNL fame, to name a few. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.