Spring is a time of hope and transformation. Coincidentally, hope and transformation are also the best words to describe Wrigley Field, as the renovated historic baseball stadium prepares for the Cubs opening day on April 9th. If you haven't been to Wrigley in a few years, you'll be surprised to see its sleek new surroundings. The Park at Wrigley is a new outdoor plaza that will feature food, family-friendly events, and music. It will be open to ticket holders two hours before each game and will offer some activities on off days. New bars and restaurants have also sprung up around Wrigley and morphed the Wrigleyville neighborhood into more of a modern area that caters to all. Those are just a couple of the transformations to Wrigley, and it surroundings that should add to the experience and make fans a little more comfortable. Hope comes in the form of the signing of new Cubs starting pitcher, Yu Darvish, as well as the return of a star-studded roster. Many experts rank Darvish as one of the top-20 starting pitchers in all of baseball, so the addition of the Japanese ace should give the Cubs a leg up in their quest to return to the World Series. Returning are sluggers Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo—the longest tenured Cub—to a lineup that should be as productive as any in the National League. It's important to understand that Wrigley Field is more than just a Major League stadium, it's a piece of history. The stadium was first opened in 1914 and is only two years younger than Fenway Park, the oldest in Major League Baseball. Although the inside of the stadium has received some facelifts, the iconic ivy on the outfield wall remains, as well as one of the only hand-turned scoreboards left in MLB, and the iconic “WRIGLEY FIELD” main entry marquee. Check out tour options if you'd like a closer look at the historic friendly confines. https://www.mlb.com/cubs/ballpark/tours For those looking to catch a game, affordable ticket options are still available. Although prices do fluctuate, you'll notice some games offer tickets below $10. Considering the red line train drops off paces away from Wrigley Field at the Addison stop, why not plan to catch a game? https://www.mlb.com/cubs/tickets/single-game-tickets
