Chicago Cub tickets

How to Get Chicago Cubs Cheap Tickets

Go Cubs!

Here's how to score some great value tickets to a Chicago Cubs game while you're in town. From when to aim for to special deals, here are our top tips to get you in.

The Chicago Cubs shed their reputation as Major League Baseball’s perennial runners-up with their 2016 World Series win, and have been pretty consistently successful in the years following. And while they’ve always attracted a rabidly devoted following of Chicagoans, the Cubs, and their historic stadium have also become a point of interest for visitors to Chicago.

Wrigley Field

In fact, Wrigley Field is the second-oldest ballpark in the entire majors, coming in just behind Fenway Park in Boston. It has of course been updated in the years since then—multiple times, in fact—but it remains a fan favorite for several unique features.

Located in Chicago’s dense North Side neighborhood that takes its name from the ballpark, Wrigley is also known as “The Friendly Confines,” a nickname made popular by HOF shortstop and first baseman Ernie Banks. Some of its more notable features include an ivy-laden brick outfield wall, its manual scoreboard, and the iconic red sign welcoming guests into the park.

Because of its location, Wrigley also experiences some unusual wind patterns from Lake Michigan, making it one of the more challenging ballparks to play at and it can be chilly for fans.

The park can accommodate upwards of 41,000 people per game, and on nicer days the Cubs regularly reach capacity at Wrigley. If you’re hoping to be one of those lucky fans who get to enjoy a memorable outing at Wrigley Field, we have a few tips on how to score cheap tickets, as well as some general advice on enjoying the game... 

Tips for getting Chicago Cubs cheap tickets

baseball-batter-walking-home-plate-stadium

Because of its location, Wrigley also experiences some unusual wind patterns from Lake Michigan, making it one of the more challenging ballparks to play at and one of the chillier for fans. As for the fans, the park can accommodate upwards of 41,000 people per game, and on nicer days the Cubs regularly reach capacity at Wrigley. If you’re hoping to be one of those lucky fans who get to enjoy a memorable outing at Wrigley Field, we have a few tips on how to score cheap tickets, as well as some general advice on enjoying the game... 

1. Attend a weekday game 

This may sound like a no-brainer, but weekend games are pricier and harder to find tickets for. If you can work your schedule around it, opt for a weekday match. Even better? A daytime match. So go ahead—take the day off work and enjoy an afternoon at America’s favorite ballpark. 

2. Buy your tickets late 

No one likes to wait until the last minute — especially if you’ve got your heart set on going — but sometimes waiting pays off. The secondary market will often seem to be flooded with more expensive tickets if you look too far in advance. Conversely, if you wait until game day or the day before, you’ll find that many resellers will have dropped their prices drastically in hopes of off-loading their tickets. 

3. Check out special ticket offers from the Club 

Chicago Cubs game

If you’re looking for more bang for your buck, sometimes it can pay off to go directly to the Chicago Cubs website. They often have special ticket offers that may apply to your plans, including themed nights (with prizes and giveaways, which always make your ticket more valuable), youth and community ticket nights, and even specials for college students.

Even if the specials won’t apply to your whole party, you can still save some dough by knocking a few dollars off a ticket here and there. 

4. Look through third-party sellers 

We’ve already mentioned the resale market, and honestly, that’s often where it’s at when it comes to getting cheap Cubs tickets. Anything from Vivid Seats and Tickpick to Stubhub and Ticketmaster can be a smart option. Just be sure you’re buying from a verified resale market vendor to avoid hassles like fake tickets. 

5. Choose a game with a less exciting opponent 

Everyone wants to check out the Cubs-Cards matchup, but that’s when the ticket prices are going to skyrocket. Pick an opponent that is less of a major rival, or, even better, a poorly-performing opponent, to score cheaper seats. The game will be just as exciting, we promise! 

Tips for visiting Wrigley Field

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  • Dress warmly or in layers. We’ve already said it, but because of the breezes off Lake Michigan that haunt the ballpark all season, you’re likely to be chilly at some point during the game even in the hottest months.
     
  • Arrive early and budget in time to go through security. Like most major sporting venues these days, Wrigley implements some serious security including bag searches and metal detectors. Don’t bring any prohibited items to avoid holding up the line.
     
  • Bring a hat and wear sunscreen. Many of the seats at Wrigley aren’t covered, so if you’re visiting in late spring or summer, you’re going to be sitting in direct sun. Protect your skin and be smart about drinking water.
     
  • While you can’t bring your own alcohol to the game, you can bring snacks and non-alcoholic beverages in a soft-sided cooler. Avoiding pricey ballpark bottled water is already going to save you a bundle!
     
  • If you do want to splurge on tickets, consider the famed rooftop seats. Many of these tickets come with all-you-can-eat and drink (including alcoholic beverages), making them a great value if you were planning on spending money on beer and hotdogs anyway.
     
  • Take the train to Wrigley. The CTA Red Line to the Addison stop is an easy ride and simple to figure out from downtown or the Loop. Then, all you have to do is walk less than two blocks to the ballpark. Parking is a nightmare, full stop, so don’t try driving.
     
  • If you’re traveling with very small kids, be aware that it’s going to be very cramped to navigate with a stroller in an old ballpark like this. Check it across the street at the Bike Valet.
     
  • Families with kids may also want to consider a Sunday day game. Each Sunday after the game, the first 1,000 kids 13 and under to enter the ballpark get to run the bases, weather permitting. It’s a special experience they'll never forget!

Save on Chicago Cubs tickets & other top Chicago attractions 

Now that you’ve got a plan of attack for how to make the most of your Chicago Cubs tickets, you’ll also want to think about the rest of your Chicago vacation. If you were hoping to combine your Cubs game with a trip to the Museum Campus, the Art Institute, Skydeck Chicago, or any other top area attraction, then consider a Go City® Chicago pass

This easy-to-use digital pass will save you up to 50% on combined admission versus paying at the gate. Save on baseball tickets, save on attraction tickets. A win-win!

☀️Compare Chicago passes☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 –  ✈️ Buy a pass ✈️ 

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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St Patrick's Day Chicago
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How to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago

St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday beloved by many, but it’s particularly special to Chicagoans. As a city with a vibrant Irish heritage—and an even more enthusiastic Irish-American population—Chicago is the perfect place to celebrate St. Paddy’s. From dyeing its iconic river a vivid green to holding one of the best St. Paddy’s parades in the US, Chicago goes all out for this holiday. Here’s a guide to what to do, where to go, and how to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago. So put on your best, brightest green outfit and get ready to celebrate.  Dyeing of the Chicago River Each year on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day, the city of Chicago dyes its famous river a lush bright green. This is a cherished tradition dating back over 50 years and is one of the highlights of any celebration. Every year spectators from across the city and around the country line the bridges and riverwalk to watch the barges release the dye into the water and see the river slowly turn emerald green. They use organic dyes that are safe for the environment; as a result, the color only lasts for about five hours. The dyeing begins at 9 am, so get to the river early in the day if you want to see the color in its full glory. St. Patrick’s Day Parade One of the largest St. Paddy’s Day parades in the country, Chicago’s vibrant version of an Irish-American classic, is legendary. This downtown celebration traverses Columbus Drive, heading north from Balbo to Monroe. Columbus Drive divides Millennium Park and Grant Park in half, so the parade route is a scenic one. The parade usually begins at noon, so arrive early to grab a good spot. You’ll enjoy plenty of green, white, and orange outfits, Irish step dancers, marching bands, elaborately decorated floats, and even bagpipers (of course!) Other St Patrick's Day events in Chicago There are plenty of things to do across Chicago to celebrate your favorite Irish holiday. Check out a few of these local events & activities to make the most of your time in the Windy City. St. Patrick’s Festival at the Irish-American Heritage Center: Held after the parade, this family-friendly event offers traditional and contemporary dance performances alongside tasty food and drink. A good option for those traveling with kids.   South Side Irish Parade: Another great family-centric event, this smaller but no less enthusiastic parade begins at noon on the Sunday nearest St. Paddy’s Day, setting off from 103rd Street & Western Avenue.   Shoreline Cruises Architecture River Cruise: While this architecture cruise also runs regularly on days the river isn’t green, the cruises today are especially popular. Get up close to the emerald waters and snap those perfect Instagram shots while learning all about the city’s built environment.   Leprechaun Leap: This popular race offers 5k or 8k courses along the gorgeous Lake Michigan waterfront. It’s been a beloved tradition among runners for nearly 20 years now, and attracts participants from all over. Dress in costume for the most fun!   Hop-on Hop-off Chicago City Tour: See more of the city with a hop-on hop-off tour from Big Bus. Take advantage of their local expertise to get some advice on what else to do to celebrate, and get around the city easily. Places to eat & drink on St. Paddy’s Day in Chicago One of most people’s favorite things about St. Patrick’s Day is the opportunity to enjoy delicious Irish food and a pint or two of plain (aka Guinness). Scope out these bars and restaurants while you’re in town for the holiday. Many places will have special events on, some requiring advance tickets, so these aren’t your only options by any means. If you’re traveling with an adults-only group, you may also want to consider a pub crawl through River North (Division Street is always popular). Remember, bars in Chicago stay open very late if you need an excuse to keep the festivities going. Kerryman Irish Bar & Restaurant: This River North mainstay is perfect for those looking to enjoy traditional Irish fare with a bit of a modern update.   D4 Irish Pub & Café: Think Irish food with some modern American flair thrown in: fish and chips or corned beef and hash, plus avocado toast and lobster mac n’ cheese.   Lady Gregory’s: An Andersonville legend, Lady Gregory’s is a must-visit destination for whiskey connoisseurs. With more than 300 options to choose from, make sure you take advantage of their full dining menu to balance it all out.   The Galway Arms: Found just west of Lincoln Park (right near the zoo), the Galway Arms has been voted Best Irish Pub for four years running. Enjoy its cozy historical vibe and scrumptious authentic cuisine.   The Grafton Pub & Grill: Located in Lincoln Square, this traditional Irish pub features tasty burgers with an extensive whiskey menu. They’re always good for some Irish-American music, too. Tips for Booking St. Patrick’s Day Hotels If you do intend to make St. Paddy’s in Chicago a part of your next getaway, be sure to plan in advance. Hotels book up fast, and crowds are thick around the riverfront and parade route. Check out our logistical tips for a smoother vacation. Because St. Patrick’s Day is such a big holiday for the city of Chicago, many hotels will run special deals or discounted rates around this time of year.    If you are a member of a hotel’s reward program, it might be a good idea to cash in some points now. You can reserve in advance and pay less than you would otherwise.   Even if you aren’t sure of your plans, book your hotel room at a refundable rate that you can alter later if necessary.   Aggregate sites like Trivago, Hotels.com, and Expedia can be good resources for finding affordable hotels. Keep in mind that some sites may require that you pay for the full price of the hotel upfront.   Look for hotels outside the immediate downtown area. While you probably want to stay in the Loop to be near the parade and other Chicago attractions, you don’t need to stay right off Millennium Park to be close. River North or Lincoln Park are great neighborhoods to find hotels that won’t be as full. Some useful Chicago resources to help you plan your trip Check out the top things to do in Chicago, things to do when it rains in Chicago, and museums you must visit on your trip to the Windy City. Share your adventure with us Remember to tag @GoCity in your holiday snaps and we might just feature you on our socials. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, and inspiration for your chosen destination. Want to save money on those bucket-list attractions? Check out passes from Go City and you could save yourself up to 50% on your must-sees – perfect! ☀️Compare Chicago passes☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 – ✈️ Buy a pass ✈️
Andrew Martineau

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