Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic 2009 FAQ

Wednesday, 11.26.2008 / 11:49 AM / Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic 2009

NHL.com

Here are the answers to frequently asked questions about the Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic 2009 that fans attending the game at Wrigley Field will need to know:

What time will gates open on Jan. 1 for game day?
Can you explain the gate locations and access at Wrigley Field?
What is the alcoholic beverage policy for Winter Classic 2009?
What is the parking situation on game day -- what lots will be open?
What items can fans bring into the park? What is not permitted? Is there a bag check?
Can we bring any food or drinks into the game?
Can I bring a banner or sign to mark such a fun and historic occasion?
How about directions to Wrigley?
Where can I buy Winter Classic merchandise in Chicago?
What about first aid stations?
Is there a customer service center inside the park?
What is the NHL Winter Classic 2009 ticket refund policy?
Are there any rules about fan behavior?
Are kids of a certain age allowed in free?
Is there re-entry into the game?
Is there smoking at Wrigley Field?
Are tailgate parties allowed in Wrigley Field parking lots?

What time will gates open on Jan. 1 for game day?
The gates of Wrigley Field will open two hours prior the game at 10:00AM.

Can you explain the gate locations and access at Wrigley Field?
There are four designated patron access gates:
  • Gate D is located on the corner of Sheffield Avenue and Addison Street
  • Gate F is located behind home plate in the lower concourse adjacent to the corner of Clark and Addison Streets.
  • Gate K is located in the northwest corner of the stadium at the corner of Seminary and Waveland Avenues, directly across from the fire station.
  • Gate N is the Bleacher entrance located at the corner of Sheffield and Waveland Avenues.

What is the alcoholic beverage policy for Winter Classic 2009?
Alcohol is served at Wrigley Field at various Levy Restaurants vending stations throughout the ballpark.  Fans must be of legal drinking age to be served.  Guests will not be allowed to bring alcohol into or out of the Mezzanine Suites, as well as in and out of the ballpark. Beer will not be sold after the 12-minute mark of the third period.

What is the parking situation on game day -- what lots will be open?
The following parking lots will be open to the public, space permitting: 

Brown Lot "53"

1140 West Eddy Street
$30.00

Green Lot "54"

1126 West Grace Street
$25.00

Irving Park Lot "56"
Challenger Park near the CTA tracks
$20


What items can fans bring into the park? What is not permitted? Is there a bag check?
Each entry gate has designated bag search lines for all patrons carrying items needing inspection. There will be express lines for patrons not carrying a bag or item needing inspection.  All bags, purses and containers will be searched prior to entry. Large bags, luggage, inflatables such as balloons and beach balls, nets, noise makers, brooms, weapons, laser pointers, hard -- sided coolers, thermoses, cans and glass bottles are not permitted at any time. To ensure fan safety, the NHL reserves the right to refuse admittance of any item deemed hazardous or suspicious. As for beverages, no glass bottles, plastic bottles or cans are permitted into Wrigley Field. Only those used for infant feedings will be allowed. Here is a complete list of prohibited items:
  • Aerosol Cans
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Animals (with the exception of guide dogs for the disabled)
  • Bags larger than 12"x12"x12"Balls (beach balls, footballs, etc.)
  • Bottles, cans, thermoses and other beverage containers
  • Cameras with lenses longer than six (6) inches
  • Chairs or seat cushions with arms or backs (other than those approved for persons with accessibility needs requirements) larger than 15"x15"
  • Clothing with profane or abusive language, obscene graphics, or material considered to be indecent by Stadium Management
  • Coolers and ice chests
  • Fireworks
  • Headwear or clothing that may impede the view of fans
  • Illegal drugs and substances
  • Inflatable devices (balloons, etc.)
  • Laptop computers
  • Large, professional style camera bags
  • Laser pointer devices
  • Monopods and tripods
  • Noisemakers
  • Promotional materials advertising organizations or companies not affiliated with the Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field, Major League Baseball or the National Hockey League
  •  Radios or hand -- held TV's larger than pocket -- sized
  • Strollers:  Wrigley Field will provide a bag check for strollers
  • Sticks or poles
  • Umbrellas
  • Video Cameras
  • Weapons (knives, box -- cutters, firearms, etc.)
Any other items deemed to be dangerous or inappropriate by Stadium Management may be prohibited.
Can we bring any food or drinks into the game?
Food and beverages will available throughout the ballpark at concession stands and carts managed by Levy Restaurants. Visitors may not bring any food or drink items into the ballpark.

Can I bring a banner or sign to mark such a fun and historic occasion?
The entry and display of banners and signs in Wrigley Field is permitted within certain guidelines to protect the safety and enjoyment of all patrons.  The times of display are limited to before the game, between periods and after the game.  Management reserves the right to confiscate banners/signs with an inappropriate message, causing a disturbance and/or obstructing sightlines.  Banners/signs may never be mounted on sticks, wooden frames or any similar apparatus and may not be attached to any railings.  Banners/signs may not be carried through the Club Box Aisles.

How about directions to Wrigley?
Fans are strongly encouraged to use public transportation going to and from Wrigley Field. Extra service will be added to accommodate crowds during event time on the following bus routes and rail lines:

#22 Clark – Buses will operate every 8 to 12 minutes.
#152 Addison – Buses will operate every 12 to 15 minutes.
#X80 Irving Park Express – Buses will operate every 12 minutes.
Red Line – More frequent service will operate from 11:00am to 6:00pm, every 6 minutes, in both directions.
Purple Line Shuttle (from Linden to Howard) – Longer trains will operate from 11:00am to 6:00pm, every 10 to 12 minutes.
Yellow Line – More frequent service will operate from 11:00am to 6:00pm, every 10 minutes.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL BUSES AND TRAINS WILL BE RUNNING ON A SUNDAY SCHEDULE

The CTA Red Line provides direct service to Wrigley Field via the accessible station at Addison. Fans can transfer to Red Line trains from all other rail lines and from most east-west bus routes.

From the Northern Suburbs
Take the Yellow Line from the Dempster Station in Skokie or the Purple Line southbound from stations in Wilmette and Evanston to Howard. Transfer to the Red Line at Howard. Travel southbound and exit at Addison. Walk one block west to Wrigley Field

TRANSPORTATION HUBS

LaSalle St. Station
CTA: Exit station on Van Buren. Take the elevated Brown Line at LaSalle/Van Buren north to Fullerton.  Transfer to Red Line northbound (to Howard) to the Addison Station. Walk one block west to the ballpark

Union Station
CTA: Take the CTA #126 Jackson bus or the #151 Sheridan bus to Jackson/State Red Line subway station. Transfer to Red Line northbound (to Howard) to the Addison Station, which is located one block east of the ballpark. 

Ogilvie Transportation Center
CTA: Exit on Washington Street. Take the #20 Madison or #56 Milwaukee east to State and Washington Streets, walk two blocks north to State and Lake.  Walk downstairs and transfer to the Red Line northbound (towards Howard) to the Addison Station. Walk one block west to the ballpark. 

Millennium (Randolph)
CTA: Exit station on Michigan and walk two blocks west to State Street. Walk down to the subway and transfer to the Red Line northbound (toward Howard) to the Addison Station. Walk one block west to the ballpark.

Here are driving and public transit (CTA, Metra) directions from various Chicago and metro area locations, including major transportation hubs:

Chicago / Downtown, Loop
Driving: Take Lake Shore Drive north to Irving Park Rd. Head west to Clark. Turn left (south). Wrigley Field is ahead on the left (east).
CTA: Get on Howard/Dan Ryan red line at the Jackson/State, Monroe/State, Washington/State or Lake/State stations. Take the northbound train to the Addison Street stop, which lets out one block east of the ballpark.

Chicago / North side
Driving: Lake Shore Drive north to Irving Park Rd. Head west to Clark. Turn left (south). Wrigley Field is ahead on the left (east). If traffic is heavy on Lake Shore Drive, take Broadway or Clark to Addison.
CTA: Get on Howard/Dan Ryan red line. Take the southbound train to the Addison St. stop, which lets out one block east of the ballpark.

Chicago / Northwest side
Driving: Take 90 East to the Addison Street exit. Turn left (east) on Addison and proceed three miles to Wrigley Field. Or Take 90 East to Irving Park Rd. east to Clark. Turn right (south) and Wrigley is a few blocks ahead. Or If traffic is heavy on 90 East, take Milwaukee or Elston to Addison and head east Foster or Lawrence to Clark and head south.
CTA: Take CTA to nearest Blue line stop. Take the eastbound train to the Addison Street stop. Transfer to the CTA No. 152 eastbound bus, which lets off at the ballpark. TIP: Lane Tech High School on Addison and Western has a shuttle from its stadium parking lot during night games.

Chicago / West side
Driving: Take 290 East or 55 North to Lake Shore Drive. Take Lake Shore Drive to Irving Park Rd. Head west to Clark. Turn left (south). Wrigley Field is ahead on the left (east).
CTA: Take the blue line to Washington/Dearborn station. Walk downstairs to the Howard/Dan Ryan red line. Take the train to the Addison St. stop, which lets out one block east of the ballpark. Or Take the green line to State/Lake station. Take Howard/Dan Ryan red line northbound to the Addison St. stop, which lets out one block east of the ballpark.

Chicago / South side
Driving: Lake Shore Drive north to Irving Park Rd. Head west to Clark. Turn left (south). Wrigley Field is ahead on the left (east). Or Dan Ryan to 90/94 West. Exit on Addison and turn right (east). Wrigley Field is approximately three miles ahead. Or 57 North to Dan Ryan to 90/94 West to Addison and turn right (east). Wrigley Field is approximately three miles ahead.
CTA: Get on Howard/Dan Ryan red line. Take the northbound train to the Addison Street stop, which lets out one block east of the ballpark.

Chicago / Southwest side
Driving: Interstate 55 north to Interstate 90/94 north to the Addison Street exit. Turn right (east) on Addison and proceed three miles to the ballpark. Or Interstate 55 north to Lake Shore Drive north to Irving Park Rd. Head west to Clark. Turn left (south). Wrigley Field is ahead on the left (east).
CTA: Get to a stop on the Orange Line. Take an eastbound train to the Lake/State stop. Walk down the stairs to the State Street subway entrance and get on the northbound Howard/Dan Ryan red line. Take this to the Addison Street stop. Walk one block east on Addison and you're at Wrigley Field.

Metro North
Driving: Take 94 East to 90 East to the Addison Street exit. Turn left (east) on Addison and proceed three miles to Wrigley Field.
CTA: Take the Evanston local train south to Howard (end of the line). Transfer to the Red Line (Howard/Dan Ryan) and take a southbound train to the Addison Street stop, which lets out one block east of the ballpark.
Metra: North line to Ravenswood station. Take 81 Lawrence bus east to train station at Lawrence/Broadway. Take Howard/Douglas red line north to the Addison Street stop, which lets out one block east of the ballpark.

Metro Northwest
Driving: Take 53 North or South to 90 East to the Addison Street exit. Turn left (east) on Addison and proceed three miles to Wrigley Field. OR Take 90 East to Irving Park Rd. east to Clark. Turn right (south) and Wrigley is a few blocks ahead. OR Take 290 East to Lake Shore Drive. Take Lake Shore Drive to Irving Park Rd. Head west to Clark. Turn left (south). Wrigley Field is ahead on the left (east).
Metra: Take the Northwest line to Northwestern station. Exit on Washington. Take No. 20 or No. 56 Milwaukee east to State and Washington. Head down stairs to red line. Take northbound train to Addison.

Here are some special tips for coming from the Northwest suburbs:
Tip #1: There are low-cost parking lots at the River and Cumberland stops on the blue line. Park your car and take the eastbound train (A or B) to the Addison Street stop. Transfer to the CTA No. 152 eastbound bus, which lets off at the ballpark.
Tip #2: Take 290 right to the entry to lower Wacker Drive. Take lower Wacker to Lake Shore Drive where it enters at Illinois Street. Take Lake Shore Drive to the Belmont exit, head west 50 yards to Little Lake Shore Drive and head north. Take this to Addison. Head east until you reach the ballpark.

Metro West (and far West)

Driving: Take 290 East or 55 North to Lake Shore Drive. Take Lake Shore Drive to Irving Park Rd. Head west to Clark. Turn left (south). Wrigley Field is ahead on the left (east). Or Take 88 East to 294 North to 90 East to the Addison Street exit. Turn left (east) on Addison and travel three miles to Wrigley Field. Or Take 88 East to Interstate 290 east to 90/94 north to the Addison Street exit. Turn right (east) on Addison. Wrigley Field is three miles ahead.
Metra: Take the Burlington Northern Line to Union Station. Take the CTA No. 1 Indiana/Hyde Park bus or the No. 151 Sheridan bus to the Jackson/State subway station. Transfer to the Howard/Dan Ryan red line northbound to the Addison Street stop, which lets out one block east of the ballpark.

Metro Southeast (and far Southeast)

Driving: 94 North to 90 East to the Addison Street exit. Turn right (west) on Addison and proceed three miles to Wrigley Field. OR Take 94 North to Lake Shore Drive. Head north to Irving Park Rd. Head west to Clark. Turn left (south). Wrigley Field is ahead on the left (east).
Metra: Metra Electric to Randolph St. Station. Walk two blocks west to State St. and Randolph. Take Howard/Dan Ryan red line northbound to the Addison St. stop, which lets out one block east of the ballpark.

Metro Southwest (and far Southwest)
Driving: Take 80 East to 294 North to 90 East to the Addison Street exit. Turn left (east) on Addison and proceed three miles to Wrigley Field. Or Take 80 East to 57 North to Interstate 90/94 north to the Addison Street exit. Turn right (east) on Addison and proceed three miles to Wrigley Field. Or Take Interstate 55 north to Interstate 90/94 north to the Addison Street exit. Turn right (east) on Addison and proceed three miles to the ballpark. Or Take Interstate 55 north to Interstate 90/94 north to the Addison Street exit. Turn right (east) on Addison and proceed three miles to the ballpark.
Metra: Take the Metra Heritage Corridor line to Union Station. Take the CTA No. 1 Indiana/Hyde Park bus or the No. 151 Sheridan bus to the Jackson/State subway station. Transfer to the Howard/Dan Ryan red line northbound to the Addison Street stop, which lets out one block east of the ballpark. Or Take the Rock Island Line to LaSalle St. station. Exit station on Van Buren. Take elevated brown line at LaSalle/Van Buren north to Fullerton. Transfer to red line north to Addison.

Metro South
Driving: Take Interstate 57 north to Interstate 90/94 north to the Addison Street exit. Turn right (east) on Addison and proceed three miles to Wrigley Field. Or Take Interstate 57 north to Interstate 90/94 north to Lake Shore Drive. Head north to Irving Park Rd. Head west to Clark. Turn left (south). Wrigley Field is ahead on the left (east). Or Take 294 North to 90 East to the Addison Street exit. Turn left (east) on Addison and proceed three miles to Wrigley Field.
Metra: Take Rock Island Line to LaSalle St. station. Exit station on Van Buren. Take elevated brown line at LaSalle/Van Buren north to Fullerton. Transfer to red line north to Addison.

From LaSalle St. Station
CTA: Exit station on Van Buren. Take elevated brown line at LaSalle/Van Buren north to Fullerton. Transfer to red line north to Addison.

From Union Station
CTA: Take the CTA No. 1 Indiana/Hyde Park bus or the No. 151 Sheridan bus to the Jackson/State subway station. Transfer to the Howard/Dan Ryan "Red" rapid transit line northbound to the Addison Street stop, which lets out one block east of the ballpark.

From Northwestern Station
Exit on Washington. Take No. 20 or No. 56 Milwaukee east to State and Washington. Head down stairs to red line. Take northbound train to Addison.

From O'Hare Airport
Driving: Take 90 East to the Addison Street exit. Turn left (east) on Addison and proceed three miles to Wrigley Field.CTA: Take the "Blue" rapid transit line to the Addison Street stop. Transfer to the CTA No. 152 eastbound bus, which lets off at the ballpark.From Midway AirportDriving: Take Cicero Ave. to 55 North to Lake Shore Drive. Head north to Irving Park Rd. Head west to Clark. Turn left (south). Wrigley Field is ahead on the left (east).CTA: Take the eastbound train on the "Orange" rapid transit line to the Lake/State stop. Walk down the stairs to the State Street subway entrance and get on the northbound Howard/Dan Ryan "Red" line. Take this to the Addison Street stop. Walk one block east on Addison and you're at Wrigley Field.

Where can I buy NHL Winter Classic merchandise in Chicago?
You can now buy your own piece of history at Wrigley Field! Winter Classic merchandise is now available right at Wrigley Field. A merchandise trailer is situated right off of North Clarke Street, near Gate "F". Jerseys, winter knit caps, scarves, sweatshirts, puck, mini sticks and MORE! Come check it out. Be sure to bring your camera along and take a photo in front of the Friendly Confines!

Store Hours (all times Central)
DEC 19: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
DEC 20: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
DEC 21: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
DEC 22: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
DEC 23: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
DEC 24: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
DEC 25: CLOSED
DEC 26: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
DEC 27: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
DEC 28: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
DEC 29: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
DEC 30: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
DEC 31: SPECTATOR PLAZA OPENS 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

What about first aid stations?
First aid is located on the first base side of the main concourse, across from the ramp leading to Aisle 22 to 28. Appropriate signage identifies this area.  A physician and registered nurse are on hand for all games.

Is there a customer service center inside the park?
The Customer Relations Office is located on the main concourse directly behind home plate.  Appropriate signage identifies this area.  This office will assist patrons with lost children, note customer remarks, handle emergency phone call registration, answer questions, etc. This office does not handle ticket problems.  Patrons with ticket problems should seek out a Crowd Management Section Chief or Supervisor. 

What is the NHL Winter Classic 2009 ticket refund policy?
The NHL Winter Classic 2009 (the "Event") will be held on January 1, 2009 at Wrigley Field, in Chicago, IL. The Event may be postponed for any reason. If postponed, the Event will be held at the same location on January 2, 2009. Event tickets issued for January 1, 2009 will be honored for the postponed Event on January 2, 2009. No refunds.

Many factors, including weather conditions, may result in the cancellation of the Event. A complete game under NHL Rules will in no event constitute a cancellation. If the Event is cancelled, Ticket Holder is entitled to a ticket refund subject to the following terms and conditions:
  • Ticket Holder must contact their ticket outlet directly (tickets.com, National Hockey League, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Blackhawks or the Detroit Red Wings) for refund information.
  • Ticket stub, or other verification deemed sufficient by the refunding party, must be presented to receive a refund.
  • Ticket Holder will be issued a refund of the ticket's face value. Service fees, processing fees and any other fees, such as delivery fees, are not refundable.
  • If a refund is issued, such refund will be issued using the same method of payment that was used to purchase the tickets. If a credit card was used to make the ticket purchase, then the same credit card will be credited for the refund.

Are there any rules about fan behavior?
Customer Service is the number one objective of the National Hockey League. The league strives to provide its Guests with the most positive experience in a safe, comfortable environment. To help us achieve our goal of outstanding customer service, we ask for fan cooperation in the following areas:
  • Dress appropriately. Wrigley Field does not allow passouts.  There is no re-entry on a ticket stub. 
  • Respect other guests' ability to enjoy the game. Loud or obnoxious fans could be asked to leave the ballpark if their behavior is deemed to be offensive to guests around them.
  • Please do not bring balloons, beach balls, nets or laser pointers into Wrigley Field. These items are not permitted at any time.
  • For the safety of all fans, do not interfere with the progress of the game or go onto the playing field.
  • Please sit in your assigned seat and be prepared to show your ticket to an usher or ballpark supervisor upon request.

Are kids of a certain age allowed in free?
All fans must have a ticket regardless of age.

Is there re-entry into the game?
There is no re-entry into Wrigley Field on a ticket stub.  

Is there smoking at Wrigley Field?
Smoking is strictly prohibited in all areas of Wrigley Field.

Are tailgate parties allowed in Wrigley Field parking lots?
Tailgate parties will not be allowed on any of the Chicago Cubs operated parking lots. The Chicago Police Department strictly enforces open alcohol container laws.