Chicago Cubs
In spring 1916, the Chicago Cubs moved into a new home on the east side of the Windy City. Weeghman Park—later renamed Wrigley Field—was at that time just two years old, but today, the iconic ivy-walled ballpark is one of the oldest in the MLB and has become synonymous with this longstanding baseball team. In honor of Wrigley’s centennial anniversary in 2014, the Cubs have lined up plenty of unique events throughout the season to celebrate the Chicago landmark. Browse the full Chicago Cubs home schedule through Vivid Seats to find your perfect seats for one of the many upcoming games at this historic ballpark.
Chicago Cubs to Play Arizona Diamondbacks on Wrigley Field’s 100th Birthday
On April 23, the Cubs will celebrate the official 100th anniversary of the first game at Wrigley Field with a matchup against the Arizona Diamondbacks, the third in a four-game series that begins on April 21. This Wednesday afternoon game will begin at 1:20 p.m. CST, and the first 30,000 attendees will receive a replica jersey of the Chicago Federals, the Federal League team that was the first to call Wrigley Field home when it opened in 1914. In addition, all Cubs players will be wearing the replica jerseys during the game.
Throwback Giveaways
Over the course of the season, a number of promotional gifts will celebrate the stadium’s century-long history. Some of the most notable items are the decade throwback toys, all of which will be distributed to the first 5,000 children in attendance on each specific game day. In honor of the 1910s, the park will distribute Cubs toy train engines on April 20. The next month, young fans can pick up a ‘20s-themed yo-yo (May 4) and a ‘30s-inspired Cubs Viewmaster. Later in the year, giveaways will include an Andy Pafko OYO toy for the ‘40s (June 8), a Mr. Potato Head keychain for the ‘50s (June 22), an Etch-A-Sketch for the ‘60s (July 13), a baseball-themed Magic 8 Ball for the ‘70s (July 27), a Rubik’s Cube for the ‘80s (Aug. 10), a Beanie Baby for the ‘90s (Aug. 24), and a Build-a-Bear for the 2000s (Sept. 7).
Adults will also have the chance to take home some nice centennial gifts in the 2014 season. Among the more notable giveaways are “Jersey off Our Back” night (June 5), a Wrigley Field 100th anniversary tote bag (June 27), and an Ernie Banks replica statue (July 26). The stadium will also issue a Babe Ruth bobblehead on May 16 to commemorate the baseball legend’s iconic called shot at Wrigley Field during the 1932 World Series.
Decades of Dining Options
Fans can buy a plain hot dog any season, but Wrigley Field is switching up its culinary offerings in 2014 to include retro-inspired variations on standard ballpark fare. Four of these “Decade Dogs” will be available all season long: the 1910s Reuben Dog (with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing), 1920s Chicago Dog, 1960s Buffalo Wing Dog (with diced chicken, buffalo sauce, blue cheese, and celery), and 1970s Pulled Pork Dog (with pulled pork, coleslaw, and barbeque sauce).
Other options will rotate throughout the year, including a 1950s TV Dinner Dog, topped with mashed potatoes, corn, and gravy. For of-age patrons, Wrigley will also be selling decade-inspired cocktails. Each option will be served in a souvenir glass, and options will include everything from a Gin Rickey to a punch-style mixed drink. Get a sneak peek of these and more culinary options in the video below.
Other Notable Wrigley Field Events in 2014
One of the most highly anticipated matchups for Chicago fans every year is the Crosstown Classic, which of course pits the Cubs against the Chicago White Sox. This year, the Cubs will host the first two games of the rivalry at Wrigley Field, May 5-6. Both of these games are scheduled to begin at 7:05 p.m. Central. Later in the summer, the ballpark also will host two major concert events: Billy Joel on July 18 and Blake Shelton on July 19.