Chicago Cubs advice
 

I am surprising my husband for his special birthday… 60, with a long weekend trip to Chicago. I know that he would love to go to Chicago cubs game. We will be there July 11, 12th, 13th, and leave on the 14th. I see online they have games on July 11, 12th, and 13th.
I am not particularly a baseball fan. So I need advice as to where would be good seats in the stadium in Chicago. That would be very helpful for me because I know he will love it. I have hotel reservations on the gold coast. I have made reservations for a restaurant for one night. Any restaurant suggestions would be greatly appreciated. We do not like food that is so fancy that you leave the restaurant hungry. We do not mind taking a taxi.Thanks so much for all your advice! Looking forward.

<<So I need advice as to where would be good seats in the stadium in Chicago>>

Next to where Bill Murray sits, if you could get those.

If not, start with the basics - the arc of seats from behind third to behind first.

The easiest way to get to Wrigley is via public transit. If you'll be staying in the Gold Coast, you can take the Number 22 bus north on Clark Street or the Red Line subway. Check www.transitchicago.com for fare info and a trip planner. Taxis are difficult to find after the game.

You can find restaurants on www.chicagoreader.com or www.chicagomag.com. Both sites allow you to search by cuisine, price or neighborhood.

If he's a real Cubs fan, bleacher seats and lunch/dinner at Cubby Bear.

I am flying to Chicago to see those three games. Take a look at stubhub.com for tickets.

I am wanting the Cubs to return to Chicago thank you...after the 2-0 defeat of the Red Sox here in Boston...almost a no hitter Oh well, another game coming up.

What would be good seats to buy on StubHub for July 11th?

Look on the cubs' own website first before you look on stubhub - ticketholders on stubhub are seeking profits. Have you looked at a stadium seating chart yet?

I have looked at it but cannot make much sense of it. I would prefer to be covered from the sun if those tickets were still good seats. I just want it to be great for my husband. Thanks for all everyone's help. I have not bought the tickets yet but want to very soon.

HI, deebers.

Can't really help much on seat location, except to perhaps recommend against the bleachers, as these are general admission, and pretty raucous. The stadium is beautiful from any seat, but in general, I would think the seats labelled 'infield' are nicest. Hopefully, someone more knowledgeable can chime in with specific help.

In any case, I hear often the sun can be intense in the stadium. Yours is a 3 p.m. game, so the sun will still be overhead. I would think a sun hat, sunblock and sun glasses would be smart to bring. Just be prepared to spend lots on waters and beverages to stay comfortable--as I'm pretty sure you can't carry much of anything into the stadium.

As for transportation, if you travel up to Wrigley in the hour-90 minutes before the game, you will be in crowded buses or trains. Though if you don't mind that, the crowds are good-natured, as they are going to a baseball game. Personally, I dislike riding with the crowds.

A more relaxed way to go, would be to take the northbound Clark street bus (#22) early (around noon-12:30; the ride from Division Street 1200 North to 3800 North will be around 30 minutes or so, through lots of nice neighborhoods), and have lunch at Uncommon Ground (3800 N. Clark), then walk the 2-3 blocks south to Wrigley Field. Walking to the stadium, you'll pass the Ginger Man bar, which used to be a big hangout for Chicago improv actors. I mention Uncommon Ground because this restaurant is NORTH of Addison, and not a sports bar. SOUTH of Addison on Clark, there are lots of sports bars and casual restaurants which will be crowded.

After the game, the crowds will swarm the red line train back downtown (at the Addison CTA/Chicago TRansit Authority stop). This is really not a bad train after the game, but use the restroom at the stadium before you leave, bring your patience and get your CTA Ventra card (fare card) ahead of time at a jewel grocery store or Walgreen's. I say be patient, because you may not be able to get on the first or second or third train that stops and fills up.

Or, if you're feeling energetic, you can walk east on Addison over to Broadway and turn southbound and have an ice cream or coffee in some restaurant/bar, then take a 36 bus southbound to your hotel (the Omni? the Ambassador?) and avoid the swarm of people.

Good luck with your FRiday afternoon! I'm sure you'll have a nice day. There's lots of dining options right around Wrigleyville.

If you want dining options for the rest of your trip, if you give us an idea of cuisine that you like and your plans for the day, maybe we can help with suggestions.

Look at "Qualms" at Steppenwolf theater. Lots of discounted tickets available as it's in previews, and in the summer, through hottix.org, goldstar or travelzoo, or day-of show tickets (calling the box office right at 11 am for "20 for $20" tickets, or 1 hour before curtain, half-price "rush" tickets). The playwright is a Pulitzer prize winner and is very provocative and darkly funny, if you enjoy theater. There are 2 shows on that Saturday, and easy to get there by CTA red line train to the North/Clybourne stop. Great restaurants nearby the theater: Vinci, Balena, Dawali. (The famous Alinea restaurant is across the street a ways north--not that you want to pair a dinner there with a play on the same day.)

HAve a great weekend in Chicago!

Thanks so much to all who replied to my questions. Had a great weekend in Chicago. I used many of your suggestions.