Cubs Opening Day: Wrigleyville bars and restaurants prepare to welcome fans

CHICAGO (CBS)-- Wrigleyville bars and restaurants are prepared to welcome fans for Cubs Opening Day. 

CBS 2's Meredith Barack reported live from Sluggers where the owner says he's ready for his loyal customers to return. 

Between the pandemic and the MLB lock out, many business owners here in Wrigleyville thought this day may never come. But it is finally here, and now they are just waiting for the fans.    

We got a look inside sluggers as they were stocking the bar, cleaning tables, and of course, getting their famous batting cages ready.

The owner of the bar, that's been open for almost 40 years, says it is so important to have the Cubs cracking bats across the street because that means his bartenders can crack open cold ones for their loyal customers who come back each and every season.

The bar is back to full occupancy after state COVID guidelines limited guests. 

"Our dance floor will be packed, our batting cages will be pitching balls, our dueling pianos will be rolling after every game," Owner Zach Strauss said. "People will be in Sluggers with smiles from ear-to-ear."

Sluggers, located at 3540 N. Clark St., has batting cages for guests to practice their skills. Employees are putting on the finishing touches for opening day and are ready to welcome back fans.