When did the first game take place at Wrigley Field?
The first game at the new ballpark took place on the 23rd of April 1914. Charles Weeghman hired architect Zachary Taylor Davis to design the structure for his Chicago Whales of the Federal League.
Questions about Wrigley Field
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who officially changed the name of the facility to Wrigley Field and when?
William Wrigley Jr. officially changed the name to Wrigley Field in November 1926. He had acquired controlling interest in the club in 1918 and renamed the facility Cubs Park from 1920 to 1926 before making this final change.
What is the history of the ivy covering the outfield walls at Wrigley Field?
Bill Veeck planted ivy vines against the outfield walls in 1937 after being inspired by Perry Stadium in Indianapolis. The original English ivy was replaced by Boston ivy or Japanese ivy which can endure harsh Chicago winters better than the former species.
Which football teams played at Wrigley Field between 1921 and 1970?
The Chicago Bears played at Wrigley Field from 1921 to 1970 before relocating to Soldier Field. They transferred from Decatur and retained the name Staleys for the 1921 season before renaming themselves the Bears to identify with the baseball club then a common practice in the NFL.
How did fans on rooftops across Waveland and Sheffield avenues gain access to watch games?
Fans stand or sit on apartment roofs across Waveland and Sheffield avenues to watch games from above. Rooftop owners began organizing more formally as businesses in the mid-1980s seeking revenue by updating rooftops with bleacher-style grandstands.