The moment the Cubs clinched a spot in the National League Division Series, Wrigleyville native Tom Randell started getting requests to reserve parking spots for the team’s first home game on Monday against the St. Louis Cardinals.
“I got six phone calls,” said Randell, who operates Cub Parking with his neighbors.
The business serves as a go-between for fans looking for a parking space and Wrigleyville-area residents willing to sell their spots on game days. It is not affiliated with the team.
Randell has spots throughout the neighborhood, which is known for its difficult parking, and he said they typically go for about $20 cheaper than the most expensive parking lots closest to Wrigley Field, mostly owned by private businesses. He said his prices for residential spaces are likely to rise to about $60 in response to the expected demand for Monday’s game, similar to rates when there’s a concert at Wrigley Field.
Randell wondered if the starting times of the games would affect how many Wrigleyville residents would be willing and able to vacate their parking spaces and sell them to fans.
Major League Baseball on Thursday announced two game-time scenarios, depending on how many other playoff series are still being played. Monday’s Cubs-Cardinals game will start either at 3:37 or 5:07 p.m. And Tuesday’s game, if the best-of-five series extends to a fourth game, would start at either 3:37 or 7:07 p.m.
Typically, Randell helps sell about 20 spots for a game. “This is such an early start, it may throw things off a little,” he said.
Because of limited game day parking, Cubs officials recommend public transportation whenever possible, said team spokesman Julian Green.
City of Chicago public safety officials echoed that sentiment Thursday.
Because of the crowds expected for the playoffs, officials also said they are working with the team to coordinate a plan “to ensure a safe and enjoyable time for fans and residents,” according to a statement issued by Melissa Stratton, director of news affairs for the Office of Emergency Management and Communications. “As always, public transportation is strongly encouraged, and officials remind those visiting the community to celebrate respectfully.”
Green said, “given the unique location of Wrigley Field … parking has always been a challenge.”
Recent construction at the field has led to the demolition of two of the nearby lots that the Cubs operated. A third has been designated for players. The remaining lot — the green lot — will not be available in the postseason except for season ticket holders, media, Major League Baseball officials and other guests, Green said.
However, the team will continue to operate its free, remote parking lot and shuttle service for 1,000 cars at 3900 N. Rockwell St., he said.
The CTA will provide extra service on the No. 80 Irving Park and No. 152 Addison bus routes Monday and Tuesday, said spokesman Jeff Tolman. Also, more frequent rail service will be provided on the northbound Red Line on Monday if the game begins at 5:07 p.m. and Tuesday if the game begins at 7:07 p.m., Tolman said.
Metra isn’t planning any service changes for its trains Monday. Pace planned to extend its Wrigley Field Express suburban bus service through the playoffs “considering it’s a huge demand right now,” said spokesman Dennis Avalon.
But the agency later said it could not provide the service for Monday and Tuesday games because of the early starting times. The agency did not have enough buses to accommodate its regular rush-hour and school service as well as the Wrigley Field Express.
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