Wrigleyville prepares for playoffs, fans hope to reverse Cubs curse

CHICAGO (WLS) -- On the eve of the Cubs' playoff push, anticipation is building.

"Super excited. You can tell there's definitely a vibe in the neighborhood. Everybody's getting ramped up for tomorrow. It's going to be fun," said fan Melissa Bradley.

In Wrigleyville, police and business owners are preparing for the rush. As in 2015, there will be a huge police presence.

"We're working with the FBI and so far there are no credible threats to Chicago or this event or Major League Baseball," said Chief Al Nagoda, Chicago police.

Fans without tickets are expected to flood Wrigleyville just to be near the action. Bar owners have added security as well.

"We're watching our occupancy. We're moving furniture around to make sure that we can still have as many revelers that aren't able to go to the game still come and enjoy the game, watch here," said David Strauss, co-owner of Sluggers Bar & Grill.

There are street closures and parking bans in effect for the Cubs postseason, as well as stepped-up public transit. Click here to see a full list of changes and restrictions.

If you're lucky enough to have a ticket to the game, the Cubs recommend arriving at Wrigley several hours early to accommodate security checks.

At the original Billy Goat Tavern, a new goat could possibly reverse the Cubs curse.

Murphy the Goat is only 2 years old and is from Indiana. And yes, he could possibly reverse the curse, if you believe in that sort of stuff.

"To hell with the curse. There is no curse," Cubs fan Jeff Eide said.

William "Billy Goat" Sianis' pet goat was denied entrance into Wrigley Field during a World Series game on Oct. 6, 1945. The Cubs lost that series and have not won one since.

Whether you believe it or not, exactly 71 years ago on October 6th, 1945, William "Billy Goat" Sianis' pet goat Murphy was denied entrance into Wrigley Field during a World Series game. The Cubs lost that series and have not won one since.

Now, there is a brand new Murphy. Billy's nephew Sam thinks this one is going to change the Cubs' luck.

"I came over here to see it, somebody told me it was here. It's fun," said Matt Naranjo, a Cubs fan since 1977.

Naranjo wears a Cubs sticker on his hard hat, but said he's not superstitious enough to believe a goat can impact the outcome of a ballgame.

Others visiting the Billy Goat Tavern for breakfast say they are confident in the team's ability - whether Murphy pulls through or not.

"No, I'm not worried about a goat," Eide said.

There is a party in Murphy's honor at the Billy Goat Tavern Thursday night. Murphy will be allowed in the ballpark Friday, and Sianis said he'll be allowed onto the field.

Elsewhere around the city Cubs pride is evident. The dinosaur at the Field Museum is now clad in Cubbie Blue, Giordano's pies are flying the W and at West Town Bakery a couple hundred bucks will get you a 10-inch Cubs cake decked out in the Wrigley marquee, bricks and ivy.

"It's been blowing up on Facebook. People love it. I think within the first half hour, it was like 20,000 views and 1,500 shares. The phones have been ringing off the hook," said Samantha Turner, West Town Bakery.

Friday, a restaurant near Wrigley Field is hosting a goat roast in hopes of reversing the curse as well.