Wrigleyville celebrations kept in check after Cubs clinch

CHICAGO (WLS) -- As fans streamed out of Wrigley Field to celebrate the Cubs historic win Tuesday night, Chicago police put their plan into action.

Like puzzle parts, police maneuvered barricades into what amounted to a giant cork in the middle of Clark and Addison, plugging the opening to the Wrigleyville bar corridor where most of the trouble usually occurs.

When the game let out, 40,000 fans were funneled in opposite directions. Some fans tried to cajole their way past police, but most followed orders to keep moving.

The tactic - the handiwork of CPD Deputy Chief Steve Georgas, who runs the special functions unit - was a success. It's a plan that was also used during NATO and other large outdoor events.

There were the familiar casualties of over celebrating, but by 9 p.m., bike units and the police mounted patrol cleared Clark Street, street sweepers moved through and Wrigleyville was back to normal.

No arrests have been reported so far in the Wrigleyville area, meaning the win for the Chicago Cubs was also a win for the Chicago police.

At the Cubby Bear, the door staff said they instituted an "exit only" policy just after the end of the game, which they adhered to for most of the night. Some patrons were seen entering, but only after several other customers had left.

Fire department officials also walked up and down Clark Street to make sure bars were not over capacity. A fire official said a couple of bars had been cited for being too crowded, but for the most part, establishments were complying.

Liquor stores in the area were also asked to stop sales earlier than normal.