Wrigleyville filled to capacity hours before Game 3
Somehow, we may have underestimated just how insane the atmosphere in and around Wrigley Field for a World Series game is.
Hours ahead of the Chicago Cubs' first World Series home game in 71 years, Wrigleyville was literally packed with Cubbie blue at all corners, the anticipation for Game 3 bubbling over as the clock ticks towards first pitch.
Outside Wrigley, three hours before first pitch: sidewalks jammed, bars packed. pic.twitter.com/OOJeFTKNWN
— Brian Costa (@BrianCostaWSJ) October 28, 2016
Let the scrum begin: pic.twitter.com/keuGF33arZ
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) October 28, 2016
Wrigleyville. Addison and Clark. pic.twitter.com/E1kqRdwWy6
— Dan Shulman (@DShulman_ESPN) October 28, 2016
The ballhawks have plenty of company today. @Super_Dave @Ballhawk_Ken @CohibaSmkr pic.twitter.com/O0wgSvdIsb
— Kevin Kaduk (@KevinKaduk) October 28, 2016
For those who weren't lucky enough to snag a ticket to the game itself - which have been going for outrageous prices - hitting one of Wrigleyville's bars won't appear to save you any time or money.
Lines for several popular establishments, including Murphy's Bleachers on Sheffield Avenue across from right field, was snaking around the block.
The line is already down the block on Sheffield to get into Murphy's Bleachers, one of the only bars without a cover charge. #WorldSeries pic.twitter.com/3HJD2fbfOB
— Sergio Gonzalez (@CBSGonzalez) October 28, 2016
Some bars have implemented cover charges for tonight's game, which are running as high as $250, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
"The whole moment is spectacular," Cubs manager Joe Maddon told reporters about the atmosphere surrounding tonight's historic game, according to Carrie Muskat of MLB.com.
Chicago officials are anticipating 300,000 people to be crowded into the Wrigleyville neighborhood Friday night, reports ESPN's Michele Steele.