Next time you're in the Windy City, check out the Wrigley Field Rooftops for a completely unique way to experience an MLB Chicago Cubs game - one that hits the usual experience quite literally out of the ballpark. That's right - these seats aren't actually inside Wrigley Field, but rather on the rooftops of the buildings that surround it. A decades-long tradition in Cubs fandom, the rooftops have since become a legitimate way to view the game, as well as concerts and other events that take place in the ballpark. To enjoy this unique way of experiencing the game - and the all-new perspective it affords - book your Wrigley Field Rooftops tickets today.
The Wrigley Field Rooftops have afforded a view into the ballpark ever since Wrigley Field opened in 1914. Situated at just the right distance and height such that a person standing on the roof can comfortably observe a game inside the park, it was only natural that the building residents should set up lawn chairs on their roofs to observe the Cubs in action, perhaps inviting friends over for a cookout and cocktails while enjoying the game. This casual use continued for the first few decades, and the rooftop crowds stayed small enough that the Cubs management wasn't bothered.
However, as the Cubs grew in popularity and began to attract a larger fandom in the '80s and '90s, the arrangement proved too good to last. Many buildings saw a business opportunity in their unique vantage point and began to charge spectators for entry, erecting stands for viewing. This monetization irked the Cubs management, who filed a lawsuit for copyright infringement in 2002. By 2004, the Cubs and the rooftops settled the lawsuit out of court, trading official endorsement for a 17 percent share in royalties. Today, Wrigley Field officially owns 11 of the surrounding buildings and is in the process of slowly acquiring the rest.
Now that it's a completely legitimate way to view the game, the Wrigley Field Rooftops offer a unique viewing experience that isn't quite the same at any two buildings. Each rooftop has its own personality and structure, offering a variety of different amenities. Some have posh indoor viewing areas with luxurious appointments, while others offer cushioned seats and plasma TVs for close-up viewing. Some even offer three-course meals! However, all rooftops include food and drinks in their ticket prices for the ultimate fan experience.
If you enjoyed your Wrigley Field Rooftops tickets, you may also want to look into tickets to see the Chicago Cubs from within Wrigley Field itself, or check out neighboring sports team, the Chicago Bears, who play at nearby Soldier Field.