From a new manager to a new menu, your guide to Wrigley Field for the 2024 season

New offerings at Wrigley Field include a chimichurri tri-tip sandwich and braised chicken tinga nachos.

Wrigley Field 2023, people gather around Wrigley Field
Cubs fans can expect new food, a new team manager and more this season at Wrigley Field. Chicago Sun-Times
Wrigley Field 2023, people gather around Wrigley Field
Cubs fans can expect new food, a new team manager and more this season at Wrigley Field. Chicago Sun-Times

From a new manager to a new menu, your guide to Wrigley Field for the 2024 season

New offerings at Wrigley Field include a chimichurri tri-tip sandwich and braised chicken tinga nachos.

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After a three-game series against the Texas Rangers, the Cubs will make their 2024 Wrigley Field debut when they take on the Colorado Rockies at 1:20 p.m. Monday.

While the Cubs have a new manager in Craig Counsell, much of the roster remains intact from last year’s 83-79 season. Some of the familiar faces include Kyle Hendricks, Cody Bellinger and Seiya Suzuki, while newcomers Shota Imanaga and Michael Busch are expected to make an impact.

In addition to new additions on the field, there are also new items at the ballpark, including Garrett Popcorn Shops and a sensory room for fans needing to decompress during the games. Here’s what you need to know before heading to Wrigley this season.

Are the Cubs going to be good? The Cubs are expected to compete in the National League Central. The team will be led by new manager Craig Counsell, who came over from the division rival Milwaukee Brewers. The Cubs brought back Bellinger, who was the National League’s Comeback Player of the Year, and the middle of the order will also feature Suzuki, who was one of the best hitters in baseball over the final two months of the 2023 season.

What’s new at Wrigley? Along with Garrett Popcorn, there’s a load of new food items:

Chimichurri Sandwich Wrigley, a steak sandwich with chimichurri on ciabatta
The new chimichurri tri-tip sandwich at Wrigley ancho-rubbed steak with a chimichurri sauce, horseradish sauce, arugula and charred red bell pepper served on ciabatta bread. Courtesy of Levy
  • Chimichurri Tri-Tip Sandwich: Ancho-rubbed tri-tip steak with a chimichurri sauce, horseradish sauce, arugula and charred red bell pepper served on ciabatta bread.

  • Chicken Quesadilla: Ancho-citrus chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, mild cheddar and pickled jalapenos sandwiched between a flour tortilla and served with chipotle ranch dipping sauce

  • Braised Chicken Tinga Nachos: chicken cooked in a smoky tomato sauce with Mexican spices.

  • Ancho-Spiced Shredded Barbacoa Nachos: Beef slow-cooked with ancho spices.

  • Chori-Soy and Roasted Corn Nachos: Vegan protein, fire-roasted corn, jalapenos, onions and cilantro sauteed in a chorizo spice blend.

Chicken Quesadilla Wrigley, chicken quesadilla in a white tray served with chipotle ranch
The new chicken quesadilla at Wrigley Field features an ancho-citrus chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, mild cheddar and pickled jalapeños, served with chipotle ranch dipping sauce. Courtesy of Levy

Fans can also buy snacks and beverages at “Sheffield Market,” a new self-service market. Turano buns, Hampton Farms shelled peanuts, Home Run Inn Pizza, Hot Doug’s and Vienna Beef are also available.

In addition to the new food offerings, fans will now have access to a sensory room on the main concourse next to the Fan Services Booth behind home plate. The sensory room provides a “safe and soothing atmosphere for fans,” according to a Cubs spokesperson. The room has features meant to help fans decompress, including a sound machine, gentle lighting and Sparkle Eco Cubes, which have LED lights with touch sensors and a tactile texture wall.

Fans can also check out a sensory bag for free from the Fan Services Booth on the main concourse and in the Budweiser Bleachers. The bag has noise-canceling headphones, a fidget toy, lanyard and mood cars to help lessen sensory overload.

Those with electric vehicles now have a charging option at Wrigley. The Toyota Camry Lot, 1126 W. Grace St., will have 10 new electric vehicle charging stations on a first-come, first-serve basis starting April 1. The cost for the charging stations varies on an event basis. More information can be found here.

What can I bring with me? You can bring a bag to the ballpark, but it has to be small — no bigger than 16 x 16 x 8 inches. If you pack an umbrella, that also has to be small and can’t have metal tips. Fans can bring sealed plastic bottles and food in disposable bags inside the stadium.

What can’t I bring? Backpacks (including clear ones) are not allowed, although there are exceptions for medical bags and diaper bags. Hard-sided coolers, regardless of size, are also not allowed. Some other things you’re going to want to leave at home include outside alcohol; aerosol sprays, including sunscreen; full-size baseball bats; and glass or metal food/drink containers. A full list of prohibited items can be found here.

How much does it cost to go to a game? You can find tickets as cheap as $9 on the team’s website for weekday games early in the season, and there are ways to save through promotional offers or weeknight deals.

How can I tune in at home? To watch on TV, you’ll need the Marquee Sports Network, available in the Chicago region with Xfinity cable, DirectTV/DirecTV Stream and the Fubo streaming service. Other popular streaming services like Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV do not carry Marquee. However, you can purchase direct-to-consumer access through Marquee Sports Network for $19.99 a month. You can also tune in to Cubs games on the radio on 670 AM The Score.

Wrigleyville 101

Getting to the ballpark: Taking public transportation is probably your best bet for getting to Wrigley. CTA bus #152 (Addison) and #22 (Clark) will drop you off at the intersection of Clark and Addison, right by the famous marquee. Or, take the Red Line to the Addison station to exit closest to the stadium.

If you drive to a game, there are some lots nearby, but parking is limited. Fans can also park remotely for free during night and weekend games and take a shuttle to the ballpark.

For fans who roll up to Wrigley on two wheels: There’s a free bike valet located on Addison, in the alley east of the main CTA Red Line entrance that opens three hours before game time and closes one hour after a game ends. Fans can bring their bicycle helmets into the stadium and store them under the seat.

Pro tip: Take a picture of your valet ticket in case you lose it inside the stadium.

Where to go outside the stadium: After you get your obligatory photo of the Wrigley Field sign, grab a pre-game bite or brew. The classics include Murphy’s Bleachers, Cubby Bear and Sluggers.

FYI for first timers: If you’re going to Wrigley for the first time this summer, you can remember your trip with a personalized “first timer’s certificate” available in a booth on the main concourse directly behind home plate.

Phyllis Cha is a digital reporter for WBEZ. Follow her @phyllischa. Courtney Kueppers is a reporter at WBEZ. Follow her @cmkueppers.