Cubs' Home Opener Redo: What You Should Know

CHICAGO, IL — Thousands of fans are gearing up to celebrate the Cubs' home opener at Wrigley Field against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Originally set for Monday, a spring snowstorm caused the team to push the game back until Tuesday. Gates will open around 11:20 a.m., and the opening ceremony is scheduled to begin around 12:45 p.m.

Even if you aren't going to the game itself, many nearby bars and pubs offer specials and parties as baseball returns to the North Side in 2018.

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The home opener Tuesday begins a three-game series against the Pirates and is part of a nine-game homestand. The Cubs also will face the Atlanta Braves and the rival St. Louis Cardinals during that span.

But let's not get ahead of things. As the baseball clubhouse cliche goes, you take one game at a time, and in this case, that one game is the home opener. Here's a look at everything you need to know before the game, whether you're heading out to the Friendly Confines or watching it on your TV or laptop (we promise we won't tell your boss).

Patch will be posting video and photos so check back for updates.

Home Opener: Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates

• First Pitch: 1:20 p.m. Tuesday, April 10 — the first pitch was postponed a day due to snowy weather. Wrigley Field gates open two hours before first pitch.
• TV | Radio | Streaming: ABC 7 Chicago (WLS-TV) | 670 The Score | MLB.tv
• Starting Pitchers: Tyler Chatwood (0-1, 1.50 ERA) vs. Ivan Nova
• Lineup:

Parking

SpotHero and Other Options: Parking in Wrigleyville can be expensive and challenging to come by, especially during the Cubs' home opener. If you're willing to walk a few blocks, parking will be cheaper. The City of Chicago recommends booking a parking spot ahead of time with SpotHero, and getting to the spot early to avoid traffic jams. Or you can visit the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce Wrigleyville Parking site for parking company phone numbers and locations.

Residential Permit Parking Zone 383: This is the area immediately surrounding Wrigley Field, and the parking restrictions there are strictly enforced. Just southwest of the stadium, the Zone 383 rule is enforced only after 6 p.m. Unrestricted free street parking is available north of Irving Park Road and west of Ashland Avenue. Free street parking in permit Zone 383 typically fills up three hours before the first pitch. Nearby lots and garages are often available up to the first pitch.

Other Parking Reminders:

• It is illegal for any person or organization to offer for sale or acquire for the purpose of sale any residential parking permit or daily parking permit. Violators are subject to a fine of up to $1,500 and banned from residential daily parking permits.
• Priority towing will take place in all special no parking areas (Clark, Addison, Eddy, etc.).
• Vehicles in violation of parking regulations resulting in a public safety hazard, such as bus stops, no parking/tow zones, crosswalks, driveways, alleys, etc. are subject to immediate ticket and tow.
• The Cubs Hotline is operated an hour before until two hours after all baseball games. To report night game parking violations and other quality of life issues, call 866-427-3869.

Traffic "Slowdowns"

Addison between Racine and Halsted can be closed to vehicle traffic as a public safety measure before and/or after the game. The closing is at the discretion of the police and the city. Traffic will be rerouted north and south on Racine and Halsted.

Public Transportation

The Red Line stops next to Wrigley Field. If you’re looking to avoid traffic near Wrigley, consider parking near an "L" stop and taking the train to the Addison stop. You can also use CTA bus routes No. 8 Halsted, No. 22 Clark or No. 152 Addison (connects to the Brown and Blue lines) to get to Wrigley Field.

Park at Wrigley Pre- and Postgame Party

When: Home opener celebrations begin at 11:20 a.m.

What to Expect: The Park at Wrigley becomes a backyard for Wrigley Field on gamedays — a space where ticket holders can continue celebrating before, during and after each game. Gameday ticket holders can party, buy food and drinks, participate in gameday activities and view game highlights on the video board.

Other Places to Party: The Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce has also posted a list of bar and restaurant specials throughout Wrigleyville.

Top images by Amber Fisher