American Experience | 体验美国

Northwestern University Day at Wrigley

September 10, 2013 2:47 pm | By Christian

Recently, Northwestern hosted its annual “NU Day at Wrigley” where students are encouraged to come into Chicago and watch the Cubs play baseball at historic Wrigley Field.  This year, over 1500 Northwestern students watched the Chicago Cubs take on the Colorado Rockies.  Before the game started, Northwestern senior Julian Cadenas threw out the first pitch and Northwestern freshman Andrew Lee sang the National Anthem.   For only $15 students received ticket for a 200-level seat and a special “NU Day at Wrigley” t-shirt.  A two-run homerun by pitcher Jeff Samardzija propelled the Cubs to a 6-3 victory over the Rockies.  After the game, Northwestern students celebrated in downtown Wrigleyville by singing the Cubs victory song “Go, Cubs Go!”

While some students come for the game, many come for the atmosphere of Wrigley Field, the second oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball.  Built in 1914, Wrigley Field is famous for its ivy covered outfield walls, bright red marquee, hand turned scoreboard, and intimate nature.  There, students can enjoy delicious “Chicago-style” hotdogs (topped with mustard, onion, relish, sport pepper, tomatoes, and a dill pickle on a poppy seed bun).  If students are feeling more adventurous, they can try one of the Wrigley Field special hotdogs including the Taco Dog, Deli Dog, and Bison Dog.

If you are looking for something lighter, use the “7th Inning Stretch” as an opportunity to “buy some peanuts and crackerjacks.”  The 7th Inning Stretch at Wrigley Field is a surreal moment where the entire stadium joins together in singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”  While living near a major sports city has afforded me the opportunity to visit iconic sites such as Wrigley Field, every city and town has its own landmarks and you should get out there and explore them if you want to make the most of your college experience.