April 12--Almost all the attention at Wrigley Field is focused on a place that fans will never see first-hand: the new Cubs clubhouse.
But there are several changes that will affect fans, and here are some you should know.
--When seeking food in the expanded bleachers, walk right past those long lines for the trendy Hot Doug's wieners, and next door on Platform 14 you can get a tasty smoked brisket or pulled pork sandwich. And then enjoy it on the bleachers deck overlooking Murphy's patrons sipping craft beers and discussing baseball strategy.
--If you can't get onto the field, this might be the next-best photo opportunity. On a wall in the new concourse under the right field bleachers there's a huge replica slice of the center field wall, with the iconic 400 painted in yellow and fake green ivy. Crop it carefully and nobody has to know it's not the real thing -- although the lush green ivy might give it away.
--Also under the bleachers -- where the grandest changes were made that affect fans -- there are new display cases of Cubs and Wrigley artifacts, including Derrek Lee's and Ryne Sandberg's and Randy Hundley's Gold Gloves and, perhaps more significantly, Jake Arrieta's mustachioed onesie.
--In the back of the lower grandstand, directly behind home plate, get a rare look at the green (original color) back of the historic marquee -- and get a grilled dog with onions at new marquee grill. The lines there are much shorter lines than in the lower concourse.
--Speaking of the lower concourse: On Monday night with 40,882 in attendance, the interior grandstand concourse got uncomfortably gridlocked. So on crowded nights, head to the upper deck for food or restrooms. Or avoid the center main concourse restrooms and hit the heads on the corners -- still lines but much shorter.
--And, finally, if the inaction on the field bores you or you can't stand to watch the Cubs that particular game (like the first 6 2/3 inning Monday) the best place to not watch the game remains the upper deck patio directly behind the press box. Best grilled dogs, majestic views of the city skyline and sunsets -- and the park's only statue of Jack Daniels, right next to the ATM.
