I grew up a Wisconsin kid, so this is going to be hard to admit.Let me begin by saying that I've made my share of pilgrimages to Lambeau Field. For a time, I believed that Lambeau's blend of innovation and tradition made it the best sports venue on Earth.
But then I went to Wrigley Field.
And I realized that innovation can only take you so far.
In an era of state-of-the-art sports facilities, Wrigley is a throwback. In fact, the Wrigley experience would drive some modern fans—those who love seat-serving waiters and HD scoreboards—absolutely nuts.
Which is precisely what makes it perfect.
My introduction to Wrigley got off to a rough start. After battling rush hour en route from Milwaukee, I parked a mile from the stadium and took a bus the rest of the way.
The twelve-block bus ride took 35 minutes—and the last stop was, well, underwhelming.
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This slumped façade was what I'd driven four hours to see?
I'd expected to be instantly captured by the aura of the ballpark. Instead, I was greeted by wooden ramps leading me into the bowels of a faded, dingy no-man's land.
And then there was the matter of my seat.
Not only was there a pole taking up a significant portion of my view—I was perfectly positioned under the overhanging deck so that there was no scoreboard, of any form, in sight.
I sat there in silence for awhile, wondering what it was I was missing. There just had to be more to the Wrigley experience.
Next to me was a gentleman wearing a Red Sox cap and keeping score. In front, two business men in shirts and ties. To the rear, three children asking baseball questions galore to their dad.
I could see this at any ballpark, right? What made this place so darn special?
I decided to distract myself by watching some baseball.
The game was a great one—a battle between the Cubs and Brewers, in the heat of a pennant race. And then, with the outcome all but decided in the eighth inning, it came to me:
I realized what the Windy City experience was really all about.
I'm just a baseball fan. I pay money to watch my heroes, as millions have done before me. Wrigley Field has been a place hallowed place for generations of Americans.
It's where the Babe called his shot. It's where Ernie played two. It's where Ferris played hooky.
Me?
I was just an ignorant adolescent fortunate enough to share in the experience.
Who cares that Wrigley may not be the coziest place in the world? It's part of history. The traffic and the support beams and the four-dollar hot dogs are irrelevant next to the ivy, the Curse of the Billy Goat, and the ghostly voice of Harry Caray rallying the troops.
So put aside your egos and iPhones for a few hours next summer and take a trip to Wrigley Field.
And please, try to remember that you you're just a guest in the Eighth Wonder of the World.
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9 months ago
Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm actually thinking of making my first voyage to Wrigley next year, and I will keep this is mind so that i can enjoy my first experience to its full extent.
9 months ago
Having been to both Wrigley and Fenway I have to say that Fenway wins for this reason: more historic games have been played there. Both fields get you close to the action and they both represent the best in baseball but I have to give the edge to Fenway. My opinion is biased because I grew up in Boston and it was my first park + I am a Red Sox fan.
Matt http://www.fenwaywest.com
9 months ago
AWESOME POSTING BUD!
9 months ago
Jake, I am also from Milwaukee. I am a true Brewers fan and I have always wanted to take that pilgrimage south to see Wrigley Field. I can't speak from a personal stand point but my twin brother got the chance to see a game there and he described it just how you did. WRIGLEY FIELD IS A PIECE OF SHIT! Regardless of history, it wears thin after a while. Fans want to feel like their involved in the game. They want to watch the scoreboard for stats and animation and what not. My brother was also in a seat that could not see the one line scoreboard they have. He said nobody knew who was batting, what the score was, how many outs, etc. That is a terrible environment to watch baseball. You can go to a bar and get a better baseball experience watching the game on the big screen. At least then, you will know what is happening.
9 months ago
wrigley rocks... here's hoping the new owners find a way to upgrade without tearing down.
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