Saving money around Chicago’s Wrigley Field.
Out of the Ballpark’s 7th Inning $tretch!
A day at the ole ballgame can add up. Here are a few of our favorite tips for being in on the fun without breaking the bank. Got others? Add your favorites to the mix on our message board and we’ll put select ones on our list below!
1) Friendly Peanut Vendors.
That guy hawking bags of salty goodness on the street? It’s a few bucks cheaper (and bigger) than you’ll find inside the park. And there are no worries about bringing it in.
2) Carry-IN.
Wrigley Field is pretty relaxed when it comes to this. So, you can always concoct your own trail mix at home. Or make a few sandwiches. Or grab some water. And take it all into the game. There are a few rules to follow below.
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3) Play Before You Watch Them Play.
Three hours in stadium seating can be tough on the little ones. So blow off some steam at any one of several playgrounds in the area before the game. There’s cozy Sheil Park at 3505 North Southport; and wooded Wendt Playlot Park at 667 West Roscoe, to name just two. And bring in a little carry-out from an area restaurant to save a few dollars!
4) Park And Shuttle for $6.
During all weekend and night games, the Cubs operate a shuttle and secure parking service at the DeVry University campus located just off Addison near Western Avenue (3300 North Campbell to be exact). $6.00 gets you your parking spot and everyone in your vehicle rides free to the game on the shuttle. The first shuttle leaves two and a half hours before the game. And the last shuttle leaves one hour after all night games and two hours after all weekend day games.
5) The Amazing El Train.
Chicago’s public transportation system is pretty darn convenient. And at $2.25 a pop (each way), economical, too. The Red Line virtually pulls right up to the Field. And it’s easy to get there from either downtown or the north via the Purple and Yellow Lines. Visit rtachicago.com for a relatively easy-to-use trip planner or just call 773.836.7000 and a live customer service rep. can walk you through times and cost.
6) Pace Yourself.
Coming from the northwest and west suburbs? The delight of public transportation is still within your grasp. You can take Pace’s Wrigley Field Express Route non-stop to Wrigley Field. Parking at Pace’s Northwest Transportation Center in Schaumburg or Yorktown Center in Lombard is FREE. It’s just $3 each way per person (exact cash fare required). And they operate during all evening, weekend and holiday games, plus all games in June, July and August. Call 847.228.2416 for more information.
7) Pedal To The Ivy.
Forget parking. There’s a free secured bicycle claim check service off Waveland Avenue near Gate K. It opens two hours before the game and closes one hour after. And if you can come in via the bike path at Lake Shore Drive with the lake to your side... all the better.
8) The Sidewalk Show.
If you don’t have tickets, you can still peek onto the field through the sidewalk-level fence on Sheffield and then soak in the experience at any one of the neighborhood bars and restaurants.
9) Go with Go Cards.
Want to take in the sites before or after the game? Out of the Ballpark offers Go Chicago Cards on our site – giving you one low price for numerous great attractions in the area – like museums, zoos, and more. (Plus the Boston, San Francisco, and Seattle Go City Cards even include ballpark tours at Fenway, AT&T Park, and Safeco!)
10) Who needs two?
What would this be without a plug for our own tickets? In truth, Out of the Ballpark tickets are routinely cheaper than many of the bigger resellers by a few dollars. And if you look for “Free Gameday Pick-up Across Wrigley Field” underneath your selection, you’ll also save on shipping costs!
Compare this game:
Milwaukee Brewers at Chicago Cubs |
StubHub Price: $42 |
*prices as of 7.16.09
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