Chicago Cubs Home Opener at Wrigley Field is on Thursday, March 26

CHICAGO - The Chicago Cubs home opener at Wrigley Field is Thursday, March 26 at 1:20 p.m. v. the Washington Nationals. The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is reminding fans, residents and businesses to expect increased crowds, traffic impacts and parking restrictions in the area and, as always, to report suspicious activity to 9-1-1.

The city has prepared for baseball season with plans in place to mitigate traffic disruptions, provide public safety and coordinate resources as needed throughout the season so Chicago can enjoy our home team games safely. Along with city agencies and departments, 44^th Ward Alderman Bennett Lawson and the Chicago Cubs, the Wrigley Field Advisory community meeting was held in February to address the concerns and questions of the surrounding neighbors and residents in order to enhance public safety around the ballpark.

Report Suspicious Activity: If You See Something Say Something. The City reminds the public to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious activity. If you notice something suspicious, notify onsite security or call 9-1-1. If You See Something, Say Something™ is a national anti-terrorism public awareness campaign that emphasizes the importance of reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities. For public safety information and tips, visit Chicago.gov/OEMC.

Chicago Cubs Opening Day

The Chicago Cubs v. Washington Nationals home opener is Thursday, March 26 at 1:20 p.m. at Wrigley Field. Fans can expect to see a military flyover by 4 USMC F/A-18 Hornets from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 112 (VMFA-112) at approximately 1:02 p.m. before the start of the game.

Gates open two hours prior to the first pitch on Opening Day, Saturday games and special occasions unless otherwise specified. Pedestrians should also be mindful to keep sidewalks passable and yield to emergency vehicles. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to allow enough time for security screenings. Find more information about the screening process at Wrigley Field at cubs.com/security.

Fans and those in the area are urged to respect the surrounding neighborhood and businesses and adhere to parking restrictions, designated drop-off/pick-up areas and public safety guidelines. Fans should also be aware of the closest exits and evacuation and sheltering procedures within the park in case of severe weather or other unforeseen incidents.

TEXT "FRIENDLY"

The Wrigley Field fan text messaging service is available in the ballpark to report issues in the park without leaving your seat at the game. Fans can also report suspicious activity by sending a text message to 773-839-0282 with the keyword "Friendly" and include your location and a description of your issue or concern. Standard message and data rates may apply.

Rideshare (Taxis, Limos, Uber, Lyft) for all Home Games/Events

Fans traveling to Wrigley Field throughout the season for all home games, as well as concerts and events, using rideshare will be dropped off/picked up in designated areas. Pick-up and drop-off will be on:

• Addison St., between Broadway and Halsted Street.
• Irving Park Rd between Clark Street and Seminary Avenue.
• Restrictions begin two hours before the start of the game and will continue through the game and end one hour after the conclusion of the game.
• ADA drop-off / pick-up is on the east curb of Clark Street (Patterson Street to Waveland Avenue). Access for ADA vehicles will be coordinated via Racine Avenue and Patterson Street during Cark Street closure.
• Pedicabs are prohibited from staging and operating within the boundaries of Grace to Newport, Halsted to Racine during game/concert/event restrictions

Traffic Plan

• Truck access will be restricted 90 minutes before the game and until pedestrian flow is reduced to normal operations.
• After games, no trucks are allowed up to one hour after and at the discretion of the Chicago Police.
• Street closures in the area may be implemented to ensure public safety.
• Motorists in the area should be prepared for traffic slowdowns adjacent to the ballpark and approaching Wrigley Field, which will be implemented by public safety officials.
• Diversion of large vehicles can be expected.
• To assist with increased traffic and activity at the ballpark, the Traffic Management Authority (TMA) will deploy Traffic Control Aides (TCA's) on game/event days.

Kelly Park Pedestrian re-route: 44thward.org/resources/wrigley-field-neighborhood-information/

Parking

Residents and fans should also be aware of the LV2 permit parking restrictions, which are in effect throughout the season for all Wrigley Field games, concerts and events and not just night games. cubs.com/parking

• LV2 permit parking restrictions are in effect for all games, concerts and events at Wrigley Field, not just night games. Restrictions will be in effect from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Those seeking street parking around Wrigley Field should be cognizant of the LV2 permit parking and read signage before 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.
• For Opening Day, night and weekend games, take advantage of the free remote parking lot at 4650 N. Clarendon Ave., Chicago, IL 60640 - New Location, accessed from Irving Park Road. Free shuttles go to and from Wrigley Field with service beginning two hours before first pitch and run approximately one hour after the end of the game. Fans will be picked up and dropped off 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 service begins three hours before the start of the game and ends one hour after games/events. In addition, there are bike racks located around the ballpark 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 social media (@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

Those traveling to the games are urged to utilize public transportation. Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) offers lots of options for getting to the game and extra service on Opening Day and game days. For CTA Train and Bus information, visit https://www.transitchicago.com.

Chicago OEMC App

Downloading the Chicago OEMC app is a great way to get emergency alerts, check CTA Tracker information, monitor game day weather reports and radar, see street closures for events and even share your walk with a friend through CHI Safe Walk - all in one place. The app is available through the Apple App and Google Play stores or visit Chicago.gov/OEMC

STOP THE BLEED® Safe Chicago Kits

Safe Chicago STOP THE BLEED® kits are located throughout Wrigley Field for the safety of fans, staff and players in case of a bleeding emergency. These trauma kits at Wrigley Field were installed in partnership with the Cubs, and the City of Chicago's Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC), as part of OEMC's Safe Chicago initiative, to install American College of Surgeons STOP THE BLEED® kits. Every kit installed includes a sticker with a QR code that links to an online version of the STOP THE BLEED® course.

Emergency Alerts for Residents and Businesses

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

• Notify Chicago: Sign up for emergency alerts at notifychicago.org
• CHILAKE: For lakefront notices, TEXT "CHILAKE" to 7-8-0-1-5
• CHIBIZ: Business updates, TEXT "CHIBIZ" to 6-7-2-8-3

For additional information on emergency preparedness information, we encourage residents to download the Chicago OEMC app, visit the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC. Follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Facebook(@coemc), Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC), Instagram (chicago_oemc_911), Bluesky (@chicagooemc.bsky.social) and Threads (@chicago_oemc_911). using the hashtags #ChicagoOEMC #ThankYou911 #Smart911 #Chicago911 #BeSafeChicago.