As baseball comes back in full swing, the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC), along with 44th Ward Alderman Tom Tunney, the Chicago Police Department (CPD), the Chicago Cubs, and city agencies remind fans and residents around Wrigley Field ballpark to be aware of the increased activity and traffic in the area as well as restrictions and security measures in place throughout the baseball season. In addition to games, Wrigley Field is hosting 7 concert dates throughout the season.

“OEMC has worked closely with our public safety partners and the Chicago Cubs to ensure the baseball games and events at Wrigley Field minimize the traffic impacts and maximize public safety efforts. To that end, we also urge the public to respect the surrounding community and adhere to parking restrictions, designated drop-off/pick up areas and public safety guidelines,” said OEMC Director Rich Guidice. “Be vigilant in crowds and take precautions to enjoy the games and festivities safely. As always, report any unsafe or suspicious behavior to 9-1-1 or onsite security. We can all do our part to make the time spent in the iconic Wrigleyville neighborhood an enjoyable experience.”

Chicago Cubs
The Cubs play Milwaukee in their home opener at Wrigley Field on Thursday, April 7 at 1:20 p.m. The gates open two hours prior to start time. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to allow enough time for security screenings. Fans should also be mindful to keep sidewalks passable and yield to emergency vehicles. Find more information about the screening process at www.cubs.com/security.

“The start of baseball and event season is very a busy time in our neighborhood,” said 44th Ward Alderman Tom Tunney. “We want to ensure that our community is safe and vibrant throughout the season and ask residents and visitors to act accordingly.”

Rideshare/Taxi’s, Limo’s for all Home Games:
Fans traveling to Wrigley Field throughout the season using rideshare or TNP services should not be dropped off/picked up in the restricted areas.

Traffic Plan:
• Truck access will be restricted 90 minutes before the game and one hour after the game, or until pedestrian flow is reduced to normal operations.
• Street closures in the area may be implemented to ensure the public safety.
• Motorists in the area should be prepared for traffic slowdowns adjacent to the ballpark, which will be implemented by public safety officials, should conditions warrant.
• To assist with increased traffic and activity at the ballparks, the Traffic Management Authority (TMA) will deploy traffic control aides (TCA’s) on game days.

Parking
• Parking restrictions will be strictly enforced. If your vehicle is towed, call 3-1-1 City Services to obtain assistance in locating your vehicle.
• During Cubs home night games this season, those around Wrigley Field should be cognizant of the night game LV2 permit parking and read signage before parking.
• For night and weekend games, take advantage of the free remote parking lot at 3900 N. Rockwell Street, accessed from Irving Park Road. Free shuttles go to and from Wrigley Field with service two hours before the game start and one hour after. Drop off is on Irving Park Road between Clark Street and Seminary Avenue.
• The Cubs offer free bicycle valet service, located just east of the main entrance to the CTA Red Line stop on Addison Street for Cubs games and concerts at Wrigley Field. The bike check begins three hours before and one hour after games/events. In addition, there are bike racks located around the park as well.

Cubs Hotline
• The home game-day hotline number, 866-4-CPD-TOW, is operational before, during and after games.
• The hotline is operated by the Chicago Police Department to assist neighborhood residents with non-emergency issues relating to Wrigley Field during Cubs home games.
• For all emergencies, call 9-1-1.

Fans can follow the Cubs on Facebook and Twitter (@Cubs) for the latest information and updates.

Alcohol, Peddling and Parking Enforcement
Throughout the season, the Chicago Police Department stresses the strict enforcement of public intoxication ordinances and DUI laws, as well as City and State liquor laws that prohibit over-serving and serving alcohol to minors. Additionally, the peddling of goods without a license and the selling or soliciting the sale of residential parking passes is illegal. The Chicago Police will have an increased presence around Wrigley Field to ensure public safety on game days.

Public Transportation
Public transportation is recommended. Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) offers lots of options for getting to the game and extra service on opening game days. For CTA Train and Bus information, visit www.transitchicago.com.

Report Suspicious Activity - If You See Something, Say Something
As always, OEMC encourages attendees, ballpark employees, fans as well as residents to always be aware of surroundings and report any suspicious activity to onsite security or by calling 9-1-1.

OEMC will monitor the events and weather throughout the season and will issue any emergency alerts and notifications as necessary.

Emergency Alerts for Residents and Businesses
Get alerts and notifications from OEMC to keep residents and businesses up to date on weather and traffic conditions as well as emergencies:
• Notify Chicago: Sign up for emergency alerts at notifychicago.org
• CHILAKE: For lakefront notices, TEXT “CHILAKE” to 7-8-0-1-5
• COVID: Get COVID-19 updates by TEXTING “COVID19” to 6-7-2-8-3
• CHIBIZ: Business updates, TEXT “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3

For additional information on emergency preparedness information, visit our website at Chicago.gov/OEMC. Follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Facebook, Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC) and Instagram (chicago_oemc_911) using the hashtags #ChicagoOEMC #Smart911 #Chicago911 #BeSafeChicago.

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