Wrigley Field is one of the most iconic stadiums in all of sports. Dating back to 1914, it recently received National Landmark status. The breathtaking park sits inside Chicago’s Wrigleyville neighborhood surrounded by bars, restaurants, and houses. One of the most iconic parts of the park is the brick and ivy outfield wall that creates a picturesque photo and a painful landing for ball hawking outfielders. Just above the ivy sits tens of thousands of rowdy “bleacher bums” there for a fun time first and baseball second. For decades, the bleachers were the place to be. The party in the park. Shirtless sunbathing while you cool down the internal temperature with an ice-cold Old Style. And for decades, my friends have wanted to catch a game in the bleachers. And for decades I’ve been afraid to tell them that…the Bleachers suck. There, I said it. Is it a fun time, sure. But is it better than watching the game up in the infield 400 level? Nope. And here’s why…
1) Better View of The Game
a. Look, if you want the thrill of having a .00000000001% chance of catching a homerun ball hit to you then buy an $85 bleacher ticket. But if you like being able to see the game develop and a view of the strike zone for the price of a beer, then head to the 400-level.
2) The Sounds
a. You lose the flow of the game sitting in the bleachers. Conversations are expected at a baseball game. Even as a baseball lover I can admit that the game is slow. But what breaks up the side conversation and draws you back into the game is the natural sounds of baseball. The ball hitting the catcher’s glove, the sound of the bat making contact, etc. You can’t hear those things in the Bleachers. Thus, side conversations are no longer on the side but instead are the focus. Game flow lost.
3) Easier/Better Access to Food and Drink
a. As Wrigley has evolved so has the offerings for food and beverage. Craft beer and artisan burgers are now a thing. And look, I’m normally a hot dog with grilled onions and sport peppers accompanied by a Bud Light kinda guy. But when you go to Wrigley 30+ times a season, sometimes you occasionally want to treat yourself. And it’s just a fact that there are more food a drink options in the main part of the ballpark than in the bleachers. Additionally, there are zero vendors in the bleachers. Don’t want to miss a second of the action and want someone to bring you a beer? Don’t sit in the bleachers. You’ll have to shimmy past everyone in “your” section every time you need a drink or a soft pretzel or a helmet filled with nachos and cheese. Truly an inconvenience.
4) Less Stress and Anxiety
a. Close your eyes and picture yourself at a local bar (Sluggers) and you’re taking a few cuts in the batting cages upstairs with no helmet on and a few beers deep – safety first. You have 3 batting cage tokens left when your friends say, “Hey man, we gotta go or else we might not be able to all sit together.” Now you’re forced to pop the batting cage tokens into your pocket (these will be lost) and walk past the prize table without trading in your tickets for an awesome slinky. Open your eyes. That’s the stressful life of not having assigned seating. Less time at the bars, and more time worrying.
5) Weather Coverage
a. The baseball season, normally, is a long one that’s littered with April and September games. You just never know what kind of weather you’re going to get. A lot nicer knowing that if it does rain, you can stay seated in your seats in the 400-level while the structure of Wrigley Field acts as your own personal umbrella. Good luck staying dry out in the bleachers.
I understand that many people love the bleachers. It’s a nostalgic experience and a unique view of the park. But if you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, head to the 400 level. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
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