Hi there...

We will be staying in downtown Chicago July 20-23, 2000.

We want to go to a game at Wrigley Field on Fri (a 3:20 game scheduled) or Sat (a 4:05 game scheduled).

My questions are:

How is the traffic from downtown Chicago to Wrigley Field on Friday or Saturday at the above times? How early should we leave or get there?

Is there a restaurant or bar that we should go to before or after the game? Many older parks have a kind of 'historic watering hole' nearby.

Any suggestions on where to park or what exits to take?

Thank you.

Kittie
( a Tiger's fan devistated by the wrecking ball being put to Tiger Stadium)

If your staying downtown you should be ok by leaving approx. an hr to hr and a half before the game. That should allow you adequate time to get to the park and check out the sites.

No need to drive, there's a train stop very close to the stadium. Should take about 15 minutes from the Loop.

Forget the car if you are in or near the Loop. Take the subway (El). Parking and traffic are big pains. Not cheap either. It's only a one-block walk from the El station. Or take the North Michigan / Outer Drive bus and walk a half-mile. Your hotel can give you the exact stops and bus numbers. Also watch the weather; you might want to stick a light jacket or sweater into your bag in case the wind direction changes and starts coming off the lake. Don't kid yourself. Late July can mean a 20 to 30 degree temperature difference if the wind swings and starts to come from the east.

Definitely take the subway, but I would allow more like 30-40 minutes. The neighborhood will be really jumping and lots of fun to experience. Haven't ever been to Tiger Stadium, but most people coming to Wrigley are amazed to find a big old ball park stuck right into such a quaint in-town neighborhood.

I couldn't recommend a specific bar or restaurant--there are lots all around. Just walk around and see what appeals. Hope you get a nice day. It would be very unlikely that you would need a jacket at the end of July--if the wind shifts to off the lake it would be more refreshing than chilling in July.

As to the nearness of the train, if you've ever seen a Cubs game on TV, you can see the train, which is elevated by that point, in the background, behind the folks grilling on surrounding rooftops and in front of the sailboats on the lake. Really a fun park.

absolutely do not drive to wrigley field on gameday. take the train...the red line. ask at your hotel they can direct you. traffic is a mess, parking is impossible.

there are many sports bars near wrigley. most folks visit murphy's bleachers at sheffield and waveland; sports corner at sheffield and addison; or the cubby bear at clark and addison.

have fun.

Thank you all for the great advice!

We will definitely take the subway.

I am definitely looking forward to this trip!

Kittie