Wrigley Field – Ivy Walls, Day Games, and the Curse That Broke
Wrigley Field – Ivy Walls, Day Games, and the Curse That Broke
Published by FanStubs
A Chicago Classic Since 1914
Originally called Weeghman Park, Wrigley Field opened in 1914 and has been home to the Chicago Cubs since 1916. It's the second-oldest stadium in Major League Baseball, steeped in character and nostalgia — a ballpark where tradition rules and history echoes in every inning.
The Iconic Ivy and the Hand-Turned Scoreboard
Few stadium features are more iconic than Wrigley’s ivy-covered outfield walls. Planted in 1937, the ivy isn’t just beautiful — it’s part of the ground rules. A ball lost in the ivy is ruled a ground-rule double.
Also unchanged since 1937: the hand-operated scoreboard towering over center field. No digital screens, no flashy graphics — just numbers, manually flipped inning by inning.
The Day Game Legacy
Wrigley was the last MLB stadium to install lights — not until 1988. For decades, every Cubs home game was played during the day, giving it a laid-back, neighborhood vibe that still defines the park.
Moments Etched in Baseball Lore
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Ernie Banks’ legendary career, bringing joy to “Let’s Play Two” days.
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Steve Bartman’s infamous 2003 NLCS moment.
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Game 5 of the 2016 World Series, when the Cubs fought to stay alive and began the path to their first title in 108 years.
And when the Cubs finally won it all in Game 7, Wrigley may not have hosted the clincher — but the celebration around it made the streets unforgettable.
Why Fans Keep Coming Back
From rooftop views outside the park to the seventh-inning stretch tradition, Wrigley Field isn’t just a place to watch baseball — it’s a Chicago pilgrimage. The quirks, the history, the loyal fans — Wrigley’s magic is unmatched.
Turn Your Wrigley Memory Into Something You Can Hold
Whether it was your first game, a Father’s Day classic, or part of that 2016 dream season, you can commemorate your time at Wrigley with a personalized FanStub.