Sunday, June 29, 2014

Wrigley Field--Chicago Cubs-Celebrating 100 Years!


I've mentioned a few times, recently, that my husband and I were fortunate to spend a weekend in Chicago in early May.  I'm sorry that it has taken me a while to edit a thousand photos I took there, and also for a trip we took soon after that to California, but in between I was also delayed by having my laptop repaired for a glitch that was preventing me from staying connected to the internet (thankfully that was covered under my computer's warranty!)  We visited Chicago to attend an annual business event that the company my husband works for hosts every year--a rooftop viewing of a Chicago Cubs baseball game at Wrigley Field! It happens that this year is the 100-year celebration of the Chicago Cubs Wrigley Field!



According to this Wikipedia article, the Chicago National League Ball Club is the only franchise to play continuously in the same city since the formation of the National League in 1876. They are the earliest formed active professional sports club in North America.  In their history, they have also been known as the Federals, White Stockings, Orphans, Colts, Panamas, Rainmakers, Spuds, Trojans, Microbes, and Zephyrs. According to this MLB website, on New Year's Eve 1913, Chicago Federal League owner Charles Weeghman agreed to a 99-year lease on a small parcel of land located at the corner of Clark and Addison Streets on Chicago's North Side. At a construction cost of $250,000, a ballpark with a seating capacity of only 14,000 was constructed and named Weeghman Park, later to be named Wrigley Field in 1927. On April 23, 1914, the Chicago Federals played their first Major League game at the ballpark, defeating the Kansas City Packers, 9-1. Four days after opening day, the first renovations were made. The outfield walls were pushed back as much as 50 feet and the scoreboard was moved from left field to its present location in the center field. Many renovations later, Wrigley Field is the tenth smallest actively used major league baseball park, and the oldest National League baseball park.



We were going to be watching the Chicago Cubs play the St. Louis Cardinals at a "rooftop" venue outside the park.  The Chicago Cubs has a few official rooftop venues for left, center and right field, and there are also many privately owned rooftop venues. We were going to see the game at Brixen Ivy, a private executive rooftop experience.


As you can see there are quite a few rooftop venues across the street on the left field side of Wrigley Field. Brixen Ivy is the white brick building, third from the left.


There are three walk-up levels in the building. On the club level, we could pick up food, which was included in the all-inclusive ticket. The other levels had an indoor and porch viewing terrace, and the last level had an outdoor terrace with bleacher seats.


Beer and wine and non-alcoholic drinks were also included in the service.


The event was very well attended! Most of the people stayed inside to watch the game as unfortunately, the day was chilly and damp.


I went up to the true rooftop of Brixen Ivy to take photos. As you can see we had a great view of almost the entire Wrigley field from its stadium-style seats.


The rooftop terrace also had a bar and snack service and some tables and chairs, plus TV screens to view the game.

My husband and two of his invitees from New York.  We all stayed on top and enjoyed the game!


These were the rooftop seats on the building next to us


If you click on to enlarge this photo you can see many buildings outside the red brick right field of Wrigley Field that also have rooftop views!


More views of the game and of Wrigley Field.  The Chicago Cubs won the game, so all the fans were very happy!


I had to include this photo of a Chicago firehouse that was located on the corner, near our rooftop venue, as these lucky firemen also get to enjoy the Cub home games!  My oldest brother was a lieutenant in the FDNY for almost 30 years, and all firemen are true brethren.


That evening, my husband and I, and his guests at the game went to Lou Malnati's at the Gold Coast location, as per the request of his guests.  They are New Yorkers and wanted to try Chicago style deep dish pizza.  It was delicious, but I have to admit that since I am a native New Yorker myself, I prefer New York style pizza.  I think a personal preference for pizza is a matter of what you know the best.

While the weather was cold the day we attended this rooftop Chicago Cubs game, the next few days of our visit to Chicago were absolutely beautiful! We visited the Navy Pier, took a clipper ship ride on Lake Michigan, and went up to the top panoramic viewing windows in the Hancock Tower! Chicago is a fabulous city to visit -- please come back soon to see those future blog posts!


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34 comments:

eileeninmd said...

Pat, what a cool post on Wrigley Field. The rooftop venues are cool and a neat way to watch the game.. Wonderful series of photos, thanks for sharing your visit. Have a great evening and week ahead!

Kris said...

How exciting!
xo Kris

Vee said...

If it's what we know best then I am an English muffin pizza lover. Ha! I have not had the privilege of having Chicago style pizza, but I sure know that New York pizza is terrific.

The rooftop viewing is all new to me. I hope to remember to look again the next time the boys are here. They went to Boston last week and really wanted to see Fenway Park. They're at the age when such things are awe-inspiring.

Old Kitty said...

Brrrrrr!! You all look so cold! LOL!! But what a great vantage point to watch the game! And what a very civilised way to watch the game too! And rounded off with gooey pizza! I am so intrigued as to what the difference is between these two pizzas! Happy 100th anniversary to the oldest baseball park!

Take care
x

ellen b. said...

So timely to visit during the 100 year anniversary. Looks like a great time!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

That's quite a thrill to get to visit that famous stadium. You took great photos my friend and I hope you'll share more. I've made a deep dish pizza and it was good...but we stick with a NY style pizza, too! Hugs!

Lina Gustina said...

It must be lots of fun and excitement. Enjoying every shot.

www.1sthappyfamily.com/2014/06/colorful-jeeps.html

SmilingSally said...

Hi Pat,

I've recently learned about the rooftop fans; this was such an informative post. We went to Chicago once and TRIED to see a game, but of course, it was sold out.

However, we did a survey of pizzas and decided that Lou Malnati's was the one we liked best. (You've got me drooling.) Thanks for making Blue Monday special.

Happy Blue Monday!

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

Looks as if you all had a wonderful time! :)

Roz | La Bella Vita Cucina said...

Such a wonderful American place in Chicago. I remember when my parents took us to our first Cubs game in the 60s! I would LOVE to return again someday to experience it again, Pat! Fun post!
Roz

Betsy Banks Adams said...

When I was working on my Master's Degree at Garrett Seminary (near Northwestern)--I got to go to a game at Wrigley Field (in the late 80's I think). Loved it --and loved hearing Harry Carey sing "Take me out to the Ballgame"... AWESOME...

Hugs,
Betsy

GranthamLynn said...

Great Blues. How lucky to be there for such a great Blue shot!
I enjoyed the photo tour. The pizza looks so yummy!
Have a great 4th.

GranthamLynn said...

Thanks for coming by to see me!
Have a great 4th.

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

Rooftop game watching in setting in such an organized and extravagant setting is one of the most outrageous things I've ever seen. What a great experience. Thank you for sharing!!

Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

I have very fond memories of Chicago and it looks like you, hubs & guests will too! What a fun day & topping it off with deep dish pizza was a great idea. Like you, I'm a thin crust gal!

Happy 4th!

Judy said...

How special...that you got to be there for the 100th anniversary of Wrigley Field! And that you could take in a game from the rooftop venue. We just saw it all on a tour...and never watched a game there. Lucky you! The Chicago pizza looks mighty fine from here. :)

Anonymous said...

What a lovely slice of history.

Tracy said...

Soooo much FUN, Pat... especially the views from the top! A baseball game live is the best, isn't it? I watch very little of it on TV... live anything is so much better--LOL! Thanks for taking us there... :o) ((HUGS))

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

Very cool post Pat and the views are fabulous. I didn't realize that the Cubs are the only franchise to play continuously in the same city - that's amazing. I find that once a Cub fan, always a Cub fan.
Sam

La Petite Gallery said...

you really have such an interesting life. I have never been to Chicago.
And these photo's of the Wriggly Field are great. Never knew some of this about the 100 yrs. Have a
restful Day. I will.
yvonne

Jackie McGuinness said...

I'e been lucky to see a game at Wrigley Field. These rooftop venues are awesome.

Little Wandering Wren said...

My daughter has just come back from Chicago and she had a wonderful time there too, looks like you were busy but what great fun, baseball and then pizza. Those rooftop venues are great!
Wren x

From the Kitchen said...

Chicago's love for the Cubs is legendary! They love their White Sox too. And pizza! Deep dish is delicious but my preference is thin crust pizza. I'll be back for the boat ride and Navy Pier and all!!

Best,
Bonnie

Cranberry Morning said...

Wow, how fun would that be! And for such an event as the 100th anniversary. No wonder you took 1000 photos. So much to see in Chicago. I keep meaning to take a mini vacation to Chicago during the long winter, to break it up a bit. I so enjoyed this post!

Jim said...

That's very interesting to see.

Ciao Chow Linda said...

How lucky for you to get to see a Cubs game from a rooftop terrace! I agree with you about the pizza - I love it, but my favorite is Neapolitan style pizza.

carol l mckenna said...

How wonderful that you are seeing wonderful places and taking great shots ~ thanks, ^_^

artmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)

Light and Voices said...

I always look forward to seeing your post from week to week. This time your photos really showed Cub's park at its best 100 Year Celebration. Chicago is my hometown. I may be a bit prejudice. rofl
JM, Illinois

bj said...

Your photos are always so good, it makes me feel like I'm there.:)

Hannah said...

I don't think I've seen similar rooftop seating around a stadium before. I guess it's really good for the businesses. I have had to come to terms with allergies to gluten, cow's milk cheese, and tomatoes so I like gluten-free crust with a white sauce and mushrooms, and goat cheese, best. Pretty much has to be homemade with the goat cheese, though without there are some pizza places that have gluten-free crust.

The Gathering Place said...

Pat, you make me want to go to a game, eat a hot dog, and enjoy the beauty of the big city!

Daniela said...

I do love to come and visit you here because I know that every time you have something exciting to share, and I'm never mistaken !
It's so enjoyable to watch your beautiful pictures and read your lovely writings, thanks for sharing always interesting and amazing things, for sharing your adventures !
Sending much love <3
xo
Dany

diane b said...

I agree with Daniella, there is always some enjoyable adventure to read on your blog. That is a cool idea to have rooftop viewing of the games. It would be more comfortable than in the stadium. What a history it has too. I loved Chicago when we had a brief visit there . The architecture and street scaling is great. My daughter was sent from her company in Sydney to Chicago for a convention. She fell in love with the city too and is returning for a stay with hubby later this year.

Linda said...

What a great place to visit! Don would love to go there oneday...we have tried to visit as many baseball fields as we can...I have often seen the rooftop seats on TV...your pictures are wonderful! Have a great day!