Chicago news today: Wrigleyville prepares for Cubs vs. San Diego Padres MLB playoff Wild Card games
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — The anticipation was palpable in Wrigleyville on Monday afternoon, as the neighborhood prepared to welcome playoff baseball back after a five-year hiatus.

The neighborhood is getting ready.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

“The energy is super high, and everyone seems to be really positive and confident that we’re going to sweep this series,” said Cubs fan Hannah Webb.

They are hanging postseason banners outside Rizzo’s sports bar. It’s been a while since the Cubs were in the playoffs, and fans are excited.

“Anyone that gets in has a shot. I really like our lineup. We’re solid,” Cubs fan Hector Velez said.

The playoffs are a nice bonus for Wrigleyville businesses after the end of the regular season Sunday.

Bars and eateries are gearing up for at least two more home games against the San Diego Padres, with places like Rizzo’s taking the day off to prepare for the influx of fans expected in the coming days. These crowds are expected to pack the venues to full capacity.

“PCA, my man, always makes those crucial plays, and Seiya’s on a great home run run. (Jogger: Let’s go, baby!) Everyone’s pumped,” enthused Kevin Connors, a loyal Cubs supporter.

At Sluggers Bar and Grill, they’ll be ready with extra staffing and security.

“It’s like the cherry on top,” remarked Zach Strauss, co-owner of Sluggers. “It boosts our revenues and makes the slow months of January to March much smoother.”

And they’re collaborating with other business owners on a neighborhood safety plan.

“Keep the place at our occupancy, and make sure safety first and that everyone is having a good time,” Strauss said.

The Cubs will host the best-of-three series.

“Having postseason baseball, October baseball, is just something magical,” said Sam Kuebler, with Rizzo’s.

RELATED: ABC7 to broadcast some Chicago Cubs home Wild Card Series games against San Diego Padres

This week, the stadium is being prepped to host the Wild Card games, and Cubs fans are hopeful that their team’s success will lead to several more matches in the weeks to come.

“Shops are bustling with preparations. There’s a charged atmosphere, and come tomorrow, it’s going to be a frenzy down here,” said Cubs fan Beth Ryan.

Bree Delio designed a Cubs cap specifically for the postseason. Like many fans, she is hoping for a long playoff run.

“This year, I designed this one with Chicago on the back, anything for the Cubs in the playoffs,” Delio said.

City officials are ready for the onslaught of fans expected for the games this week. As always, they say, safety and security will be a major focus. But, there may be a few improvements since the last time the Cubs were in the playoffs.

“These are the biggest change, these archer barricades. This really helps our officers secure the footprint around the ballpark,” 44th Ward Alderman Bennet Lawson said.

Actually, when the Cubs last were in the playoffs in 2020, no fans were allowed to be in the park because of the pandemic.

They missed nothing, however. The Miami Marlins beat the Cubs.

Fans are hoping for a much better result this year.

“We got some guys starting to hit their stride right now. So hopefully they can carry that into the postseason,” fan Collier Turner said.

“It’s good for Chicago, good for the fans, good for the businesses,” fan Bill Bjork said.

The Cubs, Wrigleyville business owners and city officials met Monday afternoon to prepare for playoff baseball.

“This is something we do really well here. We have largescale events at Wrigley, Pride, the marathon,” Lawson said.

Tickets were available on the secondary market for the first game Tuesday, ranging from about $600 to under $100 for standing room

Watch the first two Wild Card games on ABC7 Chicago Tuesday and Wednesday.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Hunter Biden Reveals Profane Rage, Near Threat Toward Obama After Infamous Moment on Stage With His Dad

Explosive Revelation: Hunter Biden’s Fiery Outburst and Tension with Obama Exposed

Hunter Biden doesn’t hold Barack Obama in high regard. Tension between their…
Riverside Church responds to Pride flag vandalism with even more flags

Riverside Church Amplifies Support with Increased Pride Flags Following Vandalism Incident

On October 20, a distressing incident occurred at Riverside Church located at…
Bodycam video shows New York police officers rescue choking 10-month-old baby in Corona, Queens

Watch: Heroic NYPD Officers Save Choking Infant in Queens with Quick Response

In Corona, Queens, a 10-month-old infant’s life was saved by the quick…
Alaska pilot seeks SCOTUS relief in case in which three beer cases led to forfeiture of $95k plane

Alaska Pilot Appeals to Supreme Court Over $95K Plane Forfeiture Stemming from Three Beer Cases

An 82-year-old bush pilot from Alaska is taking his legal battle to…
Pardoned Capitol rioter charged with threatening to kill Hakeem Jeffries

From Pardon to Peril: Capitol Rioter Now Accused of Threatening Hakeem Jeffries

Ahead of a planned speech by Congressman Hakeem Jeffries in New York…
Australian prime minister's plane makes emergency landing in St. Louis after leaving Washington

Australian Prime Minister’s Plane Makes Safe Emergency Landing in St. Louis Following Departure from Washington

On Tuesday night, a flight carrying Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had…
Cheerleader dies after being shot at high school bonfire, remembered for having 'spunk to her step'

Tragic Loss: Beloved Cheerleader Fatally Shot at High School Bonfire, Celebrated for Her Spirited Legacy

Tragedy struck a high school gathering in Pinson, Alabama, when a young…
Illegal immigrant trucker accused in fatal California crash released by Biden admin after 2022 border crossing

Immigrant Trucker Involved in Fatal California Accident Released by Biden Administration Following 2022 Border Entry

A 21-year-old man from India, who entered the U.S. illegally in 2022…
Virginia Giuffre’s memoir reveals how Epstein, Maxwell ‘broke down’ girls step by step in psychological war

Virginia Giuffre’s Memoir Exposes Epstein and Maxwell’s Chilling Tactics in Systematic Psychological Manipulation

Virginia Roberts Giuffre’s first encounter with Jeffrey Epstein’s pink-hued mansion in Palm…
Woman charged with abandoning newborn child at NYC subway stop

Newborn Found Abandoned at NYC Subway: Woman Faces Charges

Authorities in New York City have apprehended a woman accused of leaving…
Kyoto hikes tourist tax by 900% amid overtourism surge

Kyoto Implements 900% Increase in Tourist Tax in Response to Overtourism Surge

Kyoto is set to significantly increase its accommodation fees starting March 2026,…
Artist Ben Wahhh of Deluxe Tattoo started Ink Relief Program with Salt and Light Coalition to help domestic violence survivors

Empowering Survivors: Ben Wahhh’s Ink Relief Program Transforms Lives Through Art and Healing

CHICAGO (WLS) — As we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October,…