Why Chicago Cubs fans shouldn't drive to home opener at Wrigley
If there was ever a time for people in the suburbs to heed the advice of a Chicago alderman, this is it.
With new construction in Wrigleyville and new security measures at Wrigley Field, Chicago Alderman Tom Tunney is asking Cubs fans to arrive early to today's home opener — and without a vehicle to park.
Here are the best ways to get to the game without a car, according to the team's website.
Pace buses
Park for free and take Pace's Wrigley Field Express Route nonstop to Wrigley Field.
Catch the Route 282 bus at the Northwest Transportation Center in Schaumburg. It's just south of Crate and Barrel and Whole Foods Market on Martingale Road.
At Yorktown Center, the Route 779 bus stop is northeast of JCPenney about halfway between the store and Ring Road.
The bus costs $4 each way with exact cash required. For more information, call Pace at (847) 228-2416 or visit www.pacebus.com/sub/espd/espd_default.asp.
Remote parking
Park for free at the remote lot at 3900 N. Rockwell St. in Chicago and take the free shuttle.
Exit the Kennedy Expressway at Irving Park Road and go east. Rockwell is just past California Avenue and the North Branch of the Chicago River. It's open for night and weekend games only. Service begins about 2½ hours before the game.
Metra trains
From Ogilvie Transportation Center in Chicago, go out to Washington Street and take the No. 20 or 56 Milwaukee bus east to State and Washington streets. Take the CTA Red Line north to Addison Street.
From Union Station in Chicago, take the No. 1 Indiana/Hyde Park bus or No. 151 Sheridan Bus to the Jackson/State subway station. Then take the Red Line north to Addison Street.
Beware the Blue Line
If you're used to taking the Blue Line to Addison Street to catch the No. 152 bus east to the ballpark, there's a hitch.
Until about the end of April, the southbound Addison stop is closed.
To get to Addison, ride the train to the next stop — Belmont Avenue — and board a northbound train back to Addison. Half the Addison platform is closed, so space will be tight.
ADA parking at the ballpark
Call (773) 388-8270 for information.
If you're able to take public transportation, there's no reason not to.
But if you're determined to drive?
Just. Don't.