Wrigley Field has been home to the Chicago Cubs organization since 1916, but they’re not the only ones who have called Wrigley home over the years. Not only that, baseball is far from the only sport that has taken place within the ivy-filled brick walls. That’s part of being over a century old, I suppose.
Over the years, Wrigley Field has hosted more than just baseball games for fans to attend. You know about the Cubs; they’ve been there since 1916. Before that, Chicago’s Federal League baseball team played there (and won a championship) in 1914 and 1915.
When the Chicago Bears franchise moved from Decatur to Chicago, they called Wrigley Field home from 1921 to 1970 before they moved to Chicago. The Bears have won eight NFL championships, seven of which came when they called Wrigley Field home. Wrigley has also hosted five championship games. The Chicago Cardinals (now the Arizona Cardinals) also called Wrigley home from 1931-1938.
One hockey game has been played at Wrigley Field. That was in 2009 when the Chicago Blackhawks hosted the Detroit Red Wings in the NHL’s Winter Classic. The Red Wings won the game 6-4. The Blackhawks will have an opportunity at redemption, though. Wrigley Field will be hosting this year’s edition of the game, with the Hawks taking on the rivaled St. Louis Blues on December 31st.
Wrigley Field has hosted dozens of concerts over the years. Artists such as Jimmy Buffett, Foo Fighters, Bruce Springsteen, and Lady Gaga have all taken the stage within the Friendly Confines. Pearl Jam will return for their fourth time later this year in August for two nights.
While the Cubs are away this weekend, Wrigley will be transformed into a different playing surface. This time, it will host some soccer.
Wrigley Field Transforming Into A Soccer Pitch For The Red Stars This Weekend
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Chicago Sting of the North American Soccer League played some of their home games at Wrigley Field. After that, soccer was not played at the stadium until a 2012 friendly match between Italy’s A.S. Roma and Poland’s Zaglebie Lubin, with A.S. Roma winning 4-0. For the first time since then, soccer will be returning to Wrigley Field this weekend.
The Chicago Red Stars of the National Women’s Soccer League will host Bay FC this weekend at Wrigley Field. This will be the first time a professional women’s sporting event will take over Wrigley Field in 80 years. Close to a sellout, this game is expected to smash the Red Stars’ previous attendance record and could challenge NWSL’s, too.
Mallory Swanson, a forward for the Red Stars and a key US Women’s National Team player, has some ties to the Chicago Cubs. Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson is her husband. Both play critical roles on their teams, and either has a fair chance to be considered the best Swanson in Chicago. Dansby will not be in attendance, though. The Cubs will be taking on the Reds that day in Cincinnati. Hence, Wrigley Field is available for not a baseball game.
Saturday should be a beautiful and historic day at a beautiful and historic venue.
