Excitement Builds for the 2024 Chicago Cubs Home Opener at Wrigley Field
Anticipation for the First Pitch
Baseball has officially returned to the North Side — and so has the rain tarp. While the Chicago Cubs kicked off their season last week on the road against the World Series reigning champs Texas Rangers, their home opener takes place Monday. The Cubs will host their home opener at Wrigley Field on April 1 when they take on the Colorado Rockies at 1:20 p.m. CT. And if you’re headed to the stadium, you’re going to want to bring a raincoat.
“We’re hoping the ballgames get in, but be prepared for rain,” NBC 5 Meteorologist Kevin Jeanes said, of Monday’s forecast. According to Jeanes, temperatures Monday were expected to hit highs in the upper 40s. And though overnight rain came to an end Monday morning, another wave was expected to move in beginning around 1 p.m., with rain chances increasing as the afternoon goes on.
Preparation and Entry Details
Early Monday morning at Wrigley Field, the rain tarp was already down. “It’s a brisk morning, but its pretty on par with what we expect for Spring in Chicago,” NBC 5 reporter Lexi Sutter reported live from the field. According to team officials, gates open two hours before first pitch, which means fans will be able to enter the ballpark at approximately 11:20 a.m. Monday. For all other games, gates will open 90 minutes before first pitch.
Ahead of first pitch Monday, an Airforce flyover is planned, team officials said, as long as the weather cooperates. The National Anthem is set to be sung by John Vincent.
Getting Your Tickets and Making Payments
Cubs tickets purchased through the team’s website can be downloaded to the MLB Ballpark app. If fans want to receive special commemorative tickets for their visit, they can take advantage of a new MLB service that will print and mail ticket stubs. However, those stubs cannot be used to gain entry into the stadium.
Wrigley Field is a cashless facility. Payments can be made via credit or debit card, or via mobile wallet apps. Reverse ATMs are available for fans to convert cash to cards that can be used inside the ballpark.
Transportation and Bag Policy
Parking at Wrigley Field: Free remote parking is available at 3900 N. Rockwell St. for night and weekend games, with a free shuttle service to and from Wrigley Field. Public transportation options are plentiful, with extra trains and buses running before and after Cubs games.
Wrigley Field’s bag policy for the 2024 season prohibits backpacks (including clear backpacks), hard-sided coolers, and bags larger than 16 x 16 x 8 inches in size. Exceptions will be made for medical bags and diaper bags that accompany guests with young children. All bags are subject to inspection.
Starting Lineup and Promotional Items
The Cubs’ starting lineup for the home opener was announced Monday morning, setting the stage for an exciting game against the Colorado Rockies. On Monday, the first 30,000 fans will receive a 2024 Cubs magnet schedule, among other promotional items available throughout the season.
With preparations in full swing and fans gearing up for the game, the 2024 Chicago Cubs home opener at Wrigley Field promises to be an eventful day, weather permitting. As the team squares off against the Colorado Rockies, all eyes will be on whether the Cubs can secure a win in their first home game of the season.