Fans Urged to Arrive Early for Security Screenings and Reminded to Respect Surrounding Communities, Obey Game Day Parking Restrictions and Public Intoxication Laws
The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC), Alderman Tom Tunney (44) along with Chicago Police officials and Chicago Cubs today reminded fans and residents of seasonal parking restrictions and safety measures in place for the 2017 baseball season. On the heels of the 2016 World Series win, the Cubs take on the L.A. Dodgers at in their home opener on Monday, April 10, at 7:05 p.m. at Wrigley Field. Gates will open two hours before the game on Opening Night at5:05 p.m. The World Series Championship banner raising will take place prior to the game.
“We join Chicagoans in cheering on the Cubs as they begin their quest to repeat as World Series champs and remind fans about the safety measures in place, as well strict enforcement of parking and public intoxication restrictions to help minimize impacts to residents and businesses,” said OEMC Executive Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau.
Alderman Tom Tunney (44th) reminds fans to respect the surrounding communities as we all cheer on our favorite team. “We’ve spent a lot of time to make sure the plaza and area around the ballpark are ready and safe for those that live and play around Wrigley Field. Residents and visitors should be patient and expect enhanced security and traffic delays around the ballpark, be aware of the neighborhood parking restrictions, surge meter pricing and extended hours. Come early, shop local and Go Cubs Go,” said Alderman Tunney.
World Series Championship Celebration Highlights
• As part of the opening day celebration, there will be a ceremonial ribbon cutting hosted by Hickory Street to commemorate the opening of the Park at Wrigley. Team members will not be in attendance.
• On Wednesday, April 12, the Cubs will host a Ring Ceremony on the field during the starting line-up announcement.
• After an extensive citywide tour, fans will have the opportunity to visit the World Series Championship trophy at its permanent display beginning April 13 at the Motorola Trophy Room, located at Clark and Waveland.
Wrigley Field Sports Plaza
The Park at Wrigley, an open area park space will debut to the public on Monday. During stadium events, access to the plaza is limited to stadium event ticket holders. The plaza will open two hours before the Wrigley Field gates open for ticket holders, and remain open up to one hour after the game.
Security Measures
• Fans are encouraged to arrive early at the ballpark to allow time for the security measures – including metal detector screenings and bag searches in compliance with Major League Baseball policies. Fans can find information about the screening process at www.cubs.com/security.
• Fans are encouraged to enter the ballpark through the gate listed on their tickets.
• Motorists in the area should be prepared for traffic slowdowns adjacent to the ballpark, which will be implemented by public safety officials, should conditions warrant.
• Truck access will be restricted two hours before the game and one hour after the game, or until pedestrian flow is reduced to normal operations.
• Street closures in the area may be implemented to ensure the public safety.
Enforcement
Throughout the season, the Chicago Police Department stresses the strict enforcement of public intoxication ordinances and DUI laws, as well as City and State liquor laws that prohibit over-serving and serving alcohol to minors. Additionally, the peddling of goods without a license and the selling or soliciting the sale of residential parking passes is illegal. The Chicago Police will have an increased presence around both Wrigley Field to ensure public safety on game days.
To assist with increased traffic and activity at the ballparks, the Traffic Management Authority will deploy traffic control aides on game days at Wrigley Field.
Parking
During Cubs home night games this season, those in the area of Wrigley Field should be cognizant of the night game LV2 permit parking. To ease traffic congestion near Wrigley Field, there is a free remote lot at Basic Wire & Cable located at 3900 N. Rockwell.
As always, parking restrictions will be strictly enforced. If your vehicle is towed, call 311 City Services to obtain assistance in locating your vehicle.
Public Transportation
Public transportation is recommended to and from the games on both sides of town. For Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Train and Bus information, visit www.transitchicago.com.
Paratratransit Drop Off and Pick Up
Pick up: Northeast corner of Addison and Sheffield (in front of Draft Kings)
Ride Share Locations
• From North: On Irving Park between Clark and Seminary
• From South: On Clark, south of Roscoe, facing southbound, west side of street in the 3300 block
If You See Something, Say Something
As always, OEMC encourages attendees, ballpark employees and fans to always be aware of surroundings and if they see something, say something to authorities, by reporting suspicious objects or activity to 855-RPRT-2S4 (855-777-8274).
Those interested in receiving up-to-date information on traffic disruptions, severe weather, Cubs game day traffic notices, Chicago emergency alerts and other messages, can sign-up for OEMC’s NotifyChicago alert system at www.notifychicago.org. This is a free service provided by the City of Chicago.