As of August 30, face coverings are now required across the state regardless of vaccination status. Wrigley Field has been fully operational since June 11.
Illinois officially began its Bridge Phase on Friday, allowing Chicago baseball teams to welcome fans back at 60% capacity.
Before, only 25% of fan capacity was permitted at Wrigley Field and Guaranteed Rate Field. But beginning May 28 against the Reds, the Cubs will increase that to 60%.
At full capacity, Wrigley Field can accommodate 41,649 spectators. Therefore, when filled to 60% capacity, each game will host around 25,000 fans.
Crane Kenney, the Cubs president of business operations, is hopeful that Wrigley Field could return to full capacity by July, indicating that the current 60% capacity may only be temporary.
Although Cubs fans may be excited about the positive news, it is important to note that COVID-19 protocols will continue to be enforced at games and attendees must adhere to them. Here are some of the essential guidelines.
Does Wrigley Field need to wear faces?
As stated on the Cubs’ official website, individuals aged 2 and older must wear face masks regardless of their vaccination status.
The Cubs advise their fans to wear masks at all times while eating or drinking, except for masks with valves and neck gaiters, which are not allowed.
In addition, Wrigley Field is providing disposable masks to fans in need and has made hand sanitizer easily accessible at various locations within the venue.
Completely incentives for those who receive vaccinations at Wrigley
Wrigley Field is now serving as a spacious COVID-19 vaccination site, with shots being administered at Gallagher Way, located outside the stadium. Appointments are readily available and can be scheduled easily.
Fans who receive the COVID-19 vaccine before the Cubs’ upcoming series against the Nationals will receive a free voucher for a hot dog and soda at the stadium. The duration of this offer is unknown, but it is guaranteed for the Washington series.
This year, the Budweiser Bleachers may be situated in a fully vaccinated area.
To stay in the area, proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required. If social distancing isn’t adhered to, the venue may reach its maximum capacity. Single-game tickets are priced at $20 plus taxes. Currently, only a limited number of tickets are left for purchase online.
Cashless at this point, Wrigley Field
In 2021, Wrigley will implement a new digital payment system that will only accept wireless wallets, debit cards, or credit cards for purchasing concessions or raffle tickets.
Reverse ATMs are conveniently located throughout Wrigley Field, allowing you to convert cash into a card for purchases at the park.
Therefore, the Cubs website recommends utilizing the MLB Ballpark app on your mobile device to place orders for concessions.
Starting this year, the main way to order food and drinks at baseball games is through mobile ordering. You can use the MLB Ballpark app or website by scanning a QR code to make your purchases. While in-seat hawking is still an option, all transactions now take place digitally.
Kids social isolation and COVID techniques
Despite the increased difficulty of maintaining distance at 60% capacity compared to 25%, Wrigley Field will persevere in its efforts to ensure that fans have the necessary space.
The Cubs are offering cards in capsules for sale, but it’s evident that the added capacity will not greatly extend the physical distance.
Nevertheless, Wrigley did try to encourage social distancing.
How to place an Illinois Cubs wager
A retail DraftKingsSportsbook is set to open at Wrigley Field in the near future, but is not currently operational.
If you have downloaded at least one sports betting app in Illinois, you can now place bets on the Cubs from your phone.
Online sports betting registration was removed by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker in April. Now, in order to create an account, individuals are required to visit a casino or horse racetrack in person.
Those who already have online sportsbook accounts in Illinois are all set. There are six mobile sportsbooks available in the state, all offering baseball lines.
- Barstool
- BetRivers
- DraftKings
- FanDuel
- PointsBet
- William Hill’s Caesars Sportsbook
Cubs fans in Illinois like to place bets on the run line, moneyline, over/under, and other props. Betting on the first five innings is also a common choice among fans.
