Wrigley Field
- Architect
- Zachary T. & Charles G. Davis
- Year
- 1914
- City
- Chicago, IL
Wrigley Field opened in 1914 as Weeghman Park, built for restaurateur Charles Weeghman's Chicago Whales of the short-lived Federal League. When the league folded after the 1915 season, the Cubs moved in, playing their first game there on April 20, 1916, an 11-inning, 7–6 win over Cincinnati. Chewing-gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. bought the Cubs in 1921, and the park took his name in 1927.
the building
The last Federal League park. Weeghman built the park for the Federal League, a rival major league that lasted only two seasons before collapsing. Every other Federal League ballpark is gone; this is the sole survivor, now the second-oldest park in the majors after Fenway Park.
The Friendly Confines. The park's nickname was popularized by Hall of Fame shortstop and first baseman Ernie Banks, who spent his entire playing career here.
the architect
Zachary T. and Charles G. Davis designed the original 1914 ballpark for Charles Weeghman, two years before the Cubs ever played there.
significance
Wrigley Field is a National Historic Landmark, a Chicago Landmark, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, all designated on February 11, 2004. It is the oldest ballpark in the National League and seats 41,649.
nearby
- 42nd Presinct / Town Hall Police Station
- Lake View Presbyterian Church
- Cairo Supper Club Building
- Belmont-Sheffield Trust and Savings Bank Building
- Immaculata High School
- Temple Sholom