View Full Version : Other Sports Wrigley Field
Well, made reservations to tour Wrigley Field in August. Going to take an Amtrak train from St Louis to Chicago, too. Really looking forward to both.
Anyone else done either of these? How was it?
OnTheWarpath15
06-03-2008, 06:21 PM
As long as you enjoy the smell of stale beer and piss, you should enjoy the hell out of that trip.
Frazod
06-03-2008, 06:24 PM
As long as you enjoy the smell of stale beer and piss, you should enjoy the hell out of that trip.
Heh. You'll get that in the ballpark AND on the train.
CoMoChief
06-03-2008, 06:27 PM
Wrigleyville (the small area that surrounds the field by the El tracks) is a must before and after the game where the Cubby Bear and Harry Carey's are at.
God you're taking Amtrak? My dad worked there for the longest time. Union Station in CHI is a pain in the ass. It's not really even downtown for the most part.
OnTheWarpath15
06-03-2008, 06:27 PM
Heh. You'll get that in the ballpark AND on the train.
Yep. And you'll get to stop in every little shitty Illinois town while enjoying that smell....only to get to Wrigley and have it almost knock you over.
Tip: DO NOT take a car to Wrigleyville, unless you're prepared to pay $50 to park - and probably be pinned in by other cars parked around you until the wee hours.
Sure-Oz
06-03-2008, 07:23 PM
Yep. And you'll get to stop in every little shitty Illinois town while enjoying that smell....only to get to Wrigley and have it almost knock you over.
Tip: DO NOT take a car to Wrigleyville, unless you're prepared to pay $50 to park - and probably be pinned in by other cars parked around you until the wee hours.
This man knows....take that a-train and enjoy all the stops, probably the only way to get there really without costing you an arm and a leg.
Any idea on what cab fair will be from Union Station to the area around Wrigley?
Heh. You'll get that in the ballpark AND on the train.
View doesn't make up for it?
stlchiefs
06-03-2008, 08:39 PM
Don't listen to the naysayers luv. It'll be an good experience. I took Amtrak from STL to KC one time for the experience. If you have the time it's a very cheap, eco-friendly and interesting way to travel.
Wrigley is a fun experience as well. I had the joy of attending a White Sox / Cubs game a few years ago which was a great time. You'll enjoy the historical aspect of the park. Have a great time in Chicago, it's probably my favorite city, edging out NYC.
KcMizzou
06-03-2008, 08:41 PM
Don't listen to the naysayers luv. It'll be an good experience. I took Amtrak from STL to KC one time for the experience. If you have the time it's a very cheap, eco-friendly and interesting way to travel.
Wrigley is a fun experience as well. I had the joy of attending a White Sox / Cubs game a few years ago which was a great time. You'll enjoy the historical aspect of the park. Have a great time in Chicago, it's probably my favorite city, edging out NYC.Yeah, I've been there once... for like three days. Hit Wrigley and Navy Pier. I had a blast. I'd like to go back with a little more time (and hell, cash :D) to spend.
Spicy McHaggis
06-03-2008, 08:42 PM
God you're taking Amtrak? My dad worked there for the longest time. Union Station in CHI is a pain in the ass. It's not really even downtown for the most part.
I really don't think Union Station is that bad. I used to take the train all the time to get to UIC.
stlchiefs
06-03-2008, 08:45 PM
Yeah, I've been there once... for like three days. Hit Wrigley and Navy Pier. I had a blast. I'd like to go back with a little more time (and hell, cash :D) to spend.
Navy Pier is a nice place to see. If you have time I enjoyed renting bikes and riding the shoreline. It's a cool way to see the beach/water and skyline while getting some exercise and fresh air. Some may not like it, but being into history and architecture I also enjoyed the building/architecture tour by boat.
We're only staying one night (in order to try to save on hotel expense), but having a hard time finding a reasonably priced hotel that's not booked for the night we're there. Been looking in Wrigleyville, so we can save on cab fare too. Cheapest we've found is $124 at the Inn at Lake View (or something like that) a little over a mile from the stadium, and half the sites say they don't even have a room left. At this point, I'd be willing to pay someone $100-$150 to pick us up from Union Station at about 8:40pm on Friday, 8/15, give us a place to sleep for a night, drop us off in Wrigleyville for the day on Saturday, then take us to Union station for a 5:15pm train Saturday evening. Seriously.
KcMizzou
06-03-2008, 08:56 PM
We're only staying one night (in order to try to save on hotel expense), but having a hard time finding a reasonably priced hotel that's not booked for the night we're there. Been looking in Wrigleyville, so we can save on cab fare too. Cheapest we've found is $124 at the Inn at Lake View (or something like that) a little over a mile from the stadium, and half the sites say they don't even have a room left. At this point, I'd be willing to pay someone $100-$150 to pick us up from Union Station at about 8:40pm on Friday, 8/16, give us a place to sleep for a night, drop us off in Wrigleyville for the day on Saturday, then take us to Union station for a 5:15pm train Saturday evening. Seriously.The L-Train's not so bad. I actually kinda enjoyed it. It was a new experience. You might check into it... it's a cheap way to get around the city, and pretty fun, if you're not used to that sort of thing.
Navy Pier is a nice place to see. If you have time I enjoyed renting bikes and riding the shoreline. It's a cool way to see the beach/water and skyline while getting some exercise and fresh air. Some may not like it, but being into history and architecture I also enjoyed the building/architecture tour by boat.
So far, Navy Pier is my favorite place in Chicago. We're only staying for one night, so we're going to focus on Wrigleyville this time.
The L-Train's not so bad. I actually kinda enjoyed it. It was a new experience. You might check into it... it's a cheap way to get around the city, and pretty fun, if you're not used to that sort of thing.
I rode it a couple of times about 8 years ago. I guess I could look to see if it runs by Wrigleyville, and if there are any decently priced hotels near a stop.
stlchiefs
06-03-2008, 09:05 PM
Yep you can walk or take the L just about anywhere. We were up there for a week and stayed near the Merchandise Mart. We went to Wrigley Field, Navy Pier, and many other places and didn't take a single cab all week. Chicago is a walkable city. With the use of the L and your feet you can get anywhere.
Spicy McHaggis
06-03-2008, 09:39 PM
So far, Navy Pier is my favorite place in Chicago. We're only staying for one night, so we're going to focus on Wrigleyville this time.
If you're at Navy Pier do yourself a favor and walk to the Institute. Even if you're not a fan of art, you'll appreciate it.
mdstu
06-03-2008, 10:17 PM
The Redline drops you off at the stadium door.
Get a room down town on Mich Ave or near the Mag Mile and take the Redline there.
Also Google search Chicago's Free Trolleys. They run all during the summer and will get you anywhere down town.
Nzoner
06-03-2008, 10:25 PM
I went to Wrigley the 1st year of interleague play and saw the Royals vs. Cubs for 2 games,like someone else said don't listen to the haters,Wrigley is a great experience.
GO CUBBIES!!! :D
Uncle_Ted
06-03-2008, 11:57 PM
If you do decide to cab it, i'll probably cost you between $20-30 depending on traffic and time of day (and assuming the cabbie takes the quickest route).
I would echo the other posters who recommend taking the Red Line L to the Addison stop ... it'll be crowded but it drops you right at the stadium.
OnTheWarpath15
06-04-2008, 04:05 AM
Don't listen to the naysayers luv. It'll be an good experience. I took Amtrak from STL to KC one time for the experience. If you have the time it's a very cheap, eco-friendly and interesting way to travel.
Wrigley is a fun experience as well. I had the joy of attending a White Sox / Cubs game a few years ago which was a great time. You'll enjoy the historical aspect of the park. Have a great time in Chicago, it's probably my favorite city, edging out NYC.
I went to Wrigley the 1st year of interleague play and saw the Royals vs. Cubs for 2 games,like someone else said don't listen to the haters,Wrigley is a great experience.
GO CUBBIES!!! :D
Hold on.
It WILL be a great experience. I'm not doubting that.
However, I AM making her aware that the place is a serious shithole. Doesn't mean she won't enjoy the game.
I did when I was there, but damn, you never forget that smell...
Just fair warning is all.
Hold on.
It WILL be a great experience. I'm not doubting that.
However, I AM making her aware that the place is a serious shithole. Doesn't mean she won't enjoy the game.
I did when I was there, but damn, you never forget that smell...
Just fair warning is all.
We're not going to see a game. Too expensive to try to get tickets right now. We're just going to tour the stadium and hang out in Wrigleyville for a while.
Found some good places not far from Union station. Going to do a little more research before making reservations.
Swanman
06-04-2008, 07:30 AM
We're not going to see a game. Too expensive to try to get tickets right now. We're just going to tour the stadium and hang out in Wrigleyville for a while.
Found some good places not far from Union station. Going to do a little more research before making reservations.
Definitely try to find a hotel in the downtown area, there just aren't that many hotels near Wrigley Field, it's all very residential up there. You won't find bargain basement prices downtown, but there are a lot of hotels to choose from. Like many have said, stay downtown and take the train (red line) to the Addison stop, which is right next to Wrigley. There are a lot of bars and restaurants in the 3 block radius around the stadium and it's just a cool neighborhood to walk around (I lived there my first two years out of college, 3 blocks east of the stadium).
Swanman
06-04-2008, 07:33 AM
We're not going to see a game. Too expensive to try to get tickets right now. We're just going to tour the stadium and hang out in Wrigleyville for a while.
Found some good places not far from Union station. Going to do a little more research before making reservations.
Which hotels are you looking at? Unfortunately hotels downtown do not come cheap.
cookster50
06-04-2008, 09:48 AM
priceline.com
CoMoChief
06-04-2008, 10:09 AM
There is a great Italian resturant down the street about a block or 2 called "Sopranos".
Very very good. I strongly suggest it. (price isn't that bad, and it's in walking distance)
Which hotels are you looking at? Unfortunately hotels downtown do not come cheap.
http://www.hotels.com/property.do?searchMtmPropertySupplierId=&propertyIdsToCompareString=&COMonth=8&PSRC=OT2&TSRC=1&numrooms=1&searchType=&usertypedcity=Union+Station&alternateSell=&acDestinationId=931F6D51-BE9E-4886-AD38-B08A34475F9C&newLandmarkDestID=931F6D51-BE9E-4886-AD38-B08A34475F9C&allPropertyTypesSelected=true&COYear=2008&CODay=16&paging=1&acDestinationType=2&searchID=AC102645-A284-8891-1A52-1B643539094B&CIYear=2008&mtnHotelID=289411&destination=931F6D51-BE9E-4886-AD38-B08A34475F9C&roomOccupancyString=1%7C%7C2%7C0%7C0&CIDay=15&sortBy=PROXIMITY&s=1&position=1&CIMonth=8
http://www.hotels.com/property.do?searchMtmPropertySupplierId=&propertyIdsToCompareString=&COMonth=8&PSRC=OT2&TSRC=1&numrooms=1&searchType=&usertypedcity=Union+Station&alternateSell=&acDestinationId=931F6D51-BE9E-4886-AD38-B08A34475F9C&newLandmarkDestID=931F6D51-BE9E-4886-AD38-B08A34475F9C&allPropertyTypesSelected=true&COYear=2008&CODay=16&paging=1&acDestinationType=2&searchID=AC102645-A284-8891-1A52-1B643539094B&CIYear=2008&mtnHotelID=280905&destination=931F6D51-BE9E-4886-AD38-B08A34475F9C&roomOccupancyString=1%7C%7C2%7C0%7C0&CIDay=15&sortBy=PROXIMITY&s=1&position=12&CIMonth=8
Chinatown? Also on Red Line.
http://www.hotels.com/property.do?searchMtmPropertySupplierId=&propertyIdsToCompareString=&COMonth=8&PSRC=OT2&TSRC=1&numrooms=1&searchType=&usertypedcity=&alternateSell=&acDestinationId=931F6D51-BE9E-4886-AD38-B08A34475F9C&newLandmarkDestID=931F6D51-BE9E-4886-AD38-B08A34475F9C&allPropertyTypesSelected=true&COYear=2008&CODay=16&paging=3&acDestinationType=2&searchID=AC102645-A284-8891-1A52-1B643539094B&CIYear=2008&mtnHotelID=297833&destination=931F6D51-BE9E-4886-AD38-B08A34475F9C&roomOccupancyString=1%7C%7C2%7C0%7C0&CIDay=15&sortBy=PROXIMITY&s=1&position=16&CIMonth=8
DTLB58
06-04-2008, 10:31 AM
Which hotels are you looking at? Unfortunately hotels downtown do not come cheap.
No they do not. We were there in May for a concert at the Chicago Theater right downtown one block from Michigan avenue.
We wanted a hotel close to the theatre so we could walk and not drive through that crazy downtown traffic.
We stayed at the Hotel sac's of Chicago. The room with valet parking cost us $278. :eek:
HonestChieffan
06-04-2008, 12:24 PM
Amtrac from KC to Chicago is awesome...From St Louis to Chicago not so much. Wrigly is sacred land.
vailpass
06-04-2008, 12:32 PM
Go to a night game. Take the L. Stand around the platform after you get off and talk to anyone close by. You will make new friends in a hurry.
Swanman
06-04-2008, 01:22 PM
http://www.hotels.com/property.do?searchMtmPropertySupplierId=&propertyIdsToCompareString=&COMonth=8&PSRC=OT2&TSRC=1&numrooms=1&searchType=&usertypedcity=Union+Station&alternateSell=&acDestinationId=931F6D51-BE9E-4886-AD38-B08A34475F9C&newLandmarkDestID=931F6D51-BE9E-4886-AD38-B08A34475F9C&allPropertyTypesSelected=true&COYear=2008&CODay=16&paging=1&acDestinationType=2&searchID=AC102645-A284-8891-1A52-1B643539094B&CIYear=2008&mtnHotelID=289411&destination=931F6D51-BE9E-4886-AD38-B08A34475F9C&roomOccupancyString=1%7C%7C2%7C0%7C0&CIDay=15&sortBy=PROXIMITY&s=1&position=1&CIMonth=8
http://www.hotels.com/property.do?searchMtmPropertySupplierId=&propertyIdsToCompareString=&COMonth=8&PSRC=OT2&TSRC=1&numrooms=1&searchType=&usertypedcity=Union+Station&alternateSell=&acDestinationId=931F6D51-BE9E-4886-AD38-B08A34475F9C&newLandmarkDestID=931F6D51-BE9E-4886-AD38-B08A34475F9C&allPropertyTypesSelected=true&COYear=2008&CODay=16&paging=1&acDestinationType=2&searchID=AC102645-A284-8891-1A52-1B643539094B&CIYear=2008&mtnHotelID=280905&destination=931F6D51-BE9E-4886-AD38-B08A34475F9C&roomOccupancyString=1%7C%7C2%7C0%7C0&CIDay=15&sortBy=PROXIMITY&s=1&position=12&CIMonth=8
Chinatown? Also on Red Line.
http://www.hotels.com/property.do?searchMtmPropertySupplierId=&propertyIdsToCompareString=&COMonth=8&PSRC=OT2&TSRC=1&numrooms=1&searchType=&usertypedcity=&alternateSell=&acDestinationId=931F6D51-BE9E-4886-AD38-B08A34475F9C&newLandmarkDestID=931F6D51-BE9E-4886-AD38-B08A34475F9C&allPropertyTypesSelected=true&COYear=2008&CODay=16&paging=3&acDestinationType=2&searchID=AC102645-A284-8891-1A52-1B643539094B&CIYear=2008&mtnHotelID=297833&destination=931F6D51-BE9E-4886-AD38-B08A34475F9C&roomOccupancyString=1%7C%7C2%7C0%7C0&CIDay=15&sortBy=PROXIMITY&s=1&position=16&CIMonth=8
Looking at the hotels there, I would go with the first one. It's pretty close to the train station and real close to the el. And it's a fairly reasonable price, which is rare downtown.
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