Cubs, Fans Preparing For NLDS Game 3 At Wrigley Field
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Chicago Cubs are preparing for the most important game Wrigley Field has hosted in years, but they aren't the only ones getting ready for a big night.
Police and business owners also are preparing for a throng of Cubs fans to descend on Wrigleyville for Monday's playoff game against the Cardinals. It's the first postseason game at Wrigley Field since 2008.
Security will be extremely tight ahead of Game 3 of the National League Division Series.
Parking immediately around the ballpark will be banned, and there will be a heavy police presence around the stadium, especially on Clark Street, where most of the Wrigleyville bars are located.
After the Cubs' wild-card game victory over the Pirates last week, police shut down Clark at Addison Street for a while to ensure the crowds didn't get too large to control, but after Saturday night's victory, the street was left open.
Bar owners said they appreciate the boost in business, but they also planned to step up security to make sure they're ready if fans get too exuberant.
"What I want people to know is come to Wrigleyville, have a great time, respect the neighborhood, respect the bars, and enjoy yourself. That's all," said Freddy Fagenholz, general manager of Murphy's Bleachers.
Wrigleyville resident Sam Murphy said he doesn't plan to be in the neighborhood during the game, but he'll be watching "away from the craziness, for sure."
Meantime, Cubs manager Joe Maddon turned to some unusual tactics to keep his team loose on Sunday. Fresh off their Game 2 victory in St. Louis, the team got together for a non-traditional breakfast at Wrigley Field.
It was another of Maddon's brainstorms. The quirky Cubs skpper said it was a way for his players to relax and be regular guys ahead of a critical Game 3.
There was a light practice as well, as the team prepared for Monday's 5:07 p.m. start.
Jake Arrieta, the hottest pitcher in baseball, will take the mound for the Cubs. He said he hopes to turn any playoff nervousness to his advantage.
"These fans have been waiting for this for a long time, so it's just going to be nice," he said. "It's going to be a boost, if anything tomorrow night pitching in front of the city of Chicago here at Wrigley. I think it's only going to benefit us."