44th Ward Special Alert: Cubs Home Opener on Thursday

Dear Neighbors,

Baseball is back at Wrigley! On Thursday, March 26th, the Cubs return home for their 2026 season opener against the Nationals, with first pitch scheduled for 1:20pm. There will be fireworks and a military flyover by members of the US Marine Corps at approximately 1:00pm. Whether you're heading to the ballpark, supporting local businesses hosting events listed here, or simply navigating the neighborhood, we want to make sure you’re prepared for the activity that Opening Day brings.

As always, the City is coordinating across departments to keep people safe and have the day run as seamlessly as possible. Our office is working closely with the Cubs, Chicago Police Department, the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC), and other agencies to ensure a successful game day. You can find detailed resources—including maps of truck restrictions, street closures, rideshare/pedicab staging areas, and updates to e-scooter and Divvy e-bike information—on our Wrigley Field page here. Also see that page for a pedestrian reroute near the Sheridan train station due to Kelly Park renovations.
 

Gates open two hours prior to the first pitch. Please remember that parking restrictions will be strictly enforced starting at 10:00am Thursday. Vehicles parked in violation—including on parts of Addison, Clark, Patterson, Cornelia, and Eddy—will be ticketed and towed two hours before a game until an hour after. Residential Permit Parking Zone 383 will be in effect for day games as well as night games. For night games later this season, restrictions begin at 5:00pm. If your vehicle is towed, call 311 to locate it.

Due to high pedestrian volumes, certain streets around the ballpark may close to vehicles before and after the game, including Addison, Clark, Waveland, and Sheffield. Truck access in the area is restricted beginning 90 minutes before the game until at least one hour afterward. As a reminder, this applies to moving trucks as well.

For rideshare users, designated pick-up and drop-off zones are located on Addison (between Halsted and Broadway) and Irving Park (between Clark and Seminary). A staffed bike valet service will be available near the Addison Red Line stop, beginning three hours before the game.

Fans are encouraged to use public transportation. CTA will run additional service on the Red Line, #152 Addison bus, and #22 Clark bus. See the Cubs' transit Home Opener page here for other public transportation lines that serve the area. A $5 1-day pass offers unlimited rides for 24 hours.

Public safety is our top priority. Inside the stadium, you can report any issues by texting “FRIENDLY” to (773) 839-0282 with your location and a description of the concern. For non-emergency issues during home games, the Cubs Hotline is available at 1 (866)-4-CPD-TOW from one hour before until two hours after each game for parking and other quality of life issues. For emergencies, or if you notice something suspicious, please call 911. For more public safety information and tips, visit OEMC's website here and the Cubs' Wrigley Field security page here.

Thank you for your cooperation in making this day safe and enjoyable for everyone. If you have any questions or need assistance, contact our office at (773) 525-6034 or [email protected]. The first night game of the season will take place on Monday, March 30th at 6:40pm.