| Wrigley Field's Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type: Baseball Arena | ||
| Rating: 4 stars | ||
| Location: Addison Street | ||
| Fame: Home of the Chicago Cubs | ||
| Atmosphere: Fun, loud, obnoxious, fanatical — the smell of hot dogs, beer, popcorn and cotton candy permeates the air. | ||
| Owner(s): The Tribune Company | ||
| Manager(s): The Tribune Company | ||
| Employee(s): n/a | ||
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At a cost of $250,000, Wrigley Field was built in 1914 and was the first park on Chicago's north side. Originally known as Weeghman Park, the name of the stadium was changed to Cubs Park in time for opening day in 1920, and then later named Wrigley Field in honor of the Cub's owner in 1926.
The Cub's home turf spans 355 feet in the left field (left-center deepest corner, 357), 400 feet at center field, and 353 feet at right field (right-center deepest corner, 363). Its outfield fences are done in brick and Boston and Bittersweet ivy, and the surface is of Merion Bluegrass and clover. The capacity of the stadium has expanded greatly over the years, starting at 14,000 in 1914 and currently holding 38,902.
The first permanent concession stand was started here, as was the custom that allows fans to keep foul balls and also the custom of throwing the opposing team's home runs back onto the field. The scoreboard, which was constructed in the same year as the outfiled bleachers (1937), has yet to be struck by a batted ball.
The park has a long and varied history, from moments of greatness to moments of defeat. But despite all the technical aspects, fans of the Cub's still hoard the bleachers to cheer Chicago's home team on.
