Increased Price Tags for Cubs Fans In Wrigleyville
By Lily Corral, Medill School of Journalism, Northwestern University
Summertime in Chicago means the Chicago Cubs are in full swing at Wrigley Field, with the Cubs in the hunt for a playoff spot, fans can expect to empty their pockets to see them in action.
“It’s gonna be a sellout today, Harv,” shouted one ticket scalper to another as they tried to catch the attention of fans bustling across West Addison Street.
Attendance for Chicago Cubs games is up this season, and with that so is the price of attending a game. The Cubs missed the playoffs last year and averaged a crowd of 32,742 people per game according to data from their website. This year, after 63 games, the Cubs are averaging 36,083 fans in attendance per game. This could be due to the fact that the Cubs haven’t made the playoffs since the 2008 season and this year’s postseason chances are looking good.
After a win on Saturday, the Chicago Cubs are second in the National League Wild Card race. With a record of 70-51, the Cubs would play a one game playoff with the Pirates if the season ended today. The San Francisco Giants sit five games behind the Cubs and are the closest threat to knock them out of a Wild Card spot.
On Saturday, a pair of lower level seats down the third baseline would cost $100 each at Box Office Tickets located on West Addison Street.
The same seats in October would be nowhere near this price range. An employee estimated that seats in this area would cost close to $500 for a first round playoff game.
Tickets are not the only expense a fan will rack up when they decide to attend a Cubs game, playoffs or not.
You can’t go to the old ball game without snacks in tow. It’s cheaper to buy these snacks outside the stadium where a medium bag of peanuts runs $4 and a bottle of water just $1.
If fans decide to drive to the game, parking will cost another $40 for easy out parking next to the field. This year’s winning record has been helpful to the parking business.
“The Cubs are above .500 after 100 games compared to below .500 after 100 games,” said Bob Parker, as he waved in cars on North Sheffield Avenue. “Yeah business is good.”
Fans who do not prepare for weather conditions can stock up on needed accessories at the game. On a sunny day, expect to pay $16 for a pair of sunglasses outside of Wrigley’s walls. If it rains, street vendors have that covered too.
“Our ponchos are $3, but prices may go up a little if we make the playoffs,” said Vernon Weaver, standing along West Addison Street.
With the playoffs looming, area street vendors are looking to capitalize on the bliss Cubs fans are sure to experience with a postseason berth.
“Usually I get about a $3 donation,” said Gregory Mitchell, who sells a magazine to support the homeless. “We're hoping that if they make the playoffs people will be happier and maybe give more.”