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.
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“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.
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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.
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