Our Windy City Plus tour from Friday, Aug. 7 to Wednesday, Aug. 12 features four stadiums: Wrigley Field, Miller Park, U.S. Cellular Field and Busch Stadium. Below is a close-up of the highlights you can check out at each.
WRIGLEY FIELD
Year Built: 1914 (Broke ground 1914)
Number of Seats: 40,929
The Stats:
- Hosted the second annual National Hockey League Winter Classic in 2009
- In 2013, Total Pro Sports voted the park Best Place to Catch a Game
What should fans make sure they do or see when visiting the park?
- Cubs Store
Special Features:
- A chain link fence, for fan safety, which is called The Basket, makes for shorter home runs
- Local rooftop seating
Historic Value:
- Home of the Chicago Cubs
- Previously known as Weeghman Park (1914-1920) and Cubs Park (1920-1926)
- It is the second-oldest active major league ballpark
What can you walk to in the neighborhood?
- Captain Morgan Club
- Starfruit Café
- Bacci Pizzeria
- Murphy’s Bleachers
- Blackhawks Shop
MILLER PARK
Year Built: 2001 (Broke ground 1996)
Number of Seats: 41,900
The Stats:
- In 2005, Sports Illustrated voted it best ballpark based on value per dollar spent
- Record amount of annual attendance in 2011 at 3.07 million
What should fans make sure they do or see when visiting the park?
- Helfaer Field
- Walk of Fame
- Autograph Alley
Special Features:
- Retractable roof
- Johnson Controls Stadium Club
- Kids Zone
Historic Value:
- Home of the Milwaukee Brewers
- One of the largest construction projects in Wisconsin history
What can you walk to in the neighborhood?
- Hank Aaron State Trail
- Thai Lotus
U.S. CELLULAR FIELD
Year Built: 1991 (Broke ground 1989)
Number of Seats: 40,615
The Stats:
- Hosted 74th MLB All-Star Game in 2003
- Record attendance of 47,609 in July 2003 (at MLB All-Star Game)
What should fans make sure they do or see when visiting the park?
- Fan Deck
- Player statues
- White Sox Champions Brick Plaza
Special Features:
- 103 suites
- 1,822 club seats
- The Patio
- Bullpen Sports Bar
- Rain Room
- Chicago Sports Depot
Historic Value:
- Home of the Chicago White Sox
- White Sox moved from Comiskey Park in 1991 after 81 years there
- Was named Comiskey Park (after former park) until 2003
What can you walk to in the neighborhood?
- Baseball Buffet
- Armour Square Park
- Wentworth Gardens Park
- Cork & Kerry Chicago
- Turtle’s Bar & Grill
- Stateway park
BUSCH STADIUM
Year Built: 2006 (Broke ground 2004)
Number of Seats: 43,975 (46,861 with standing room)
The Stats:
- Record attendance was 48,263 in May 2013
- Third stadium to be named “Busch Stadium”
- Hosted the 2009 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
What should fans make sure they do or see when visiting the park?
- Cardinals Hall of Fame & Museum
- Old Cathedral Museum
- The Gateway Arch
- Ballpark Village
Special Features:
- Fredbird Store
- Party Porch Grill
- Farmer’s Market
- Food Network Hot Dog Bar
- Prairie Farms Family Pavilion
Historic Value:
- Home of the St. Louis Cardinals
- Referred to informally as “New Busch Stadium” or “Busch Stadium III”
What can you walk to in the neighborhood?
- Carmine’s Steak House
- Mike Shannon’s Steaks and Seafood
- Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
- Paddy O’s
- Gateway Arch Trail