Cubs fans can expect more security, parking restrictions for home opener

CHICAGO (WLS) -- There will be lots of security around Wrigley Field for Monday's Cubs home opener.

There's not a big security presence right now, but on Monday Cubs fans can expect to see police, possible road closures and an abundance of parking restrictions.

Construction crews are putting the finishing touches on the exterior of Wrigley Field and planting flowers in the brand-new plaza outside the ballpark in preparation for Monday's home opener. But what you cannot see, what's going on behind the scenes, is extreme security preparations.

"There are no credible threats, but with what's happening around the world, we need to be vigilant," said Chicago Police Deputy Chief Al Nagode.

Trucks will be forbidden from traveling on the roads surrounding Wrigley Field from two hours before Monday's game until one hour after and it's possible police will close down entire blocks of Addison and Clark, depending on their assessment of the crowds.

Fans are encouraged to arrive early to allow time to pass through security. For more information on the screening process at Wrigley, visit www.cubs.com/security.

Some Wrigleyville residents are actually looking forward to those restrictions.

"It's exciting getting off the train right after work, and everyone is having fun and all the streets are closed," said Wrigleyville resident Charlie Hayes.

What others are not looking forward to is parking restrictions.

Beginning at noon Monday, seven hours before first pitch, cars parked along these streets will be ticketed and towed.

"I'd ask our residents, to really make sure they are double checking the signage," said 44th Ward Alderman Tom Tunney.

Parking restrictions are in effect from noon until midnight on the following streets:

• Addison- (both sides) Racine to Fremont
• Clark- (both sides) Newport to Irving Park
• Patterson - (both sides) Clark to Racine
• Eddy - (both sides) Clark to the first alley west
• Cornelia - (both sides) Clark to the first alley west

The Cubs Hotline will be operated one hour before the game until two hours after and people can call 1-866-427-3869 to report parking violations or other quality of life issues.

There will be heightened security at Wrigley and fans are asked to have identification available to be presented to law enforcement upon request.

Surge pricing will also be in effect, with meter rates rising to $4.00 per hour every hour on the event day beginning two hours before the game starts and continuing for another seven hours.

The Cubs new plaza; officially named The Park at Wrigley, it also opens Monday. Fans can relax in a grassy area complete with a fountain, pop into Starbucks, or visit the Cubs new multi-story merchandise store.

"We have great memorabilia in the space. The Golden Glove, Silver Slugger, custom artwork including Ernie banks portrait by a local Chicago artist," said Erin Jones, vice president of Rank and Rally.

Another really cool feature at the store is a green screen that puts you right in the action at Wrigley Field.

City officials are advising you to take the CTA to Wrigleyville on Monday to cut down on traffic.

The store opens at 5 a.m. on Monday, First pitch against the LA Dodgers is not until 7 p.m. Gates will open two hours before the start of the game and the raising of the World Series Championship banner will take place before the game.