Extra Patrols, Street Closures In Wrigleyville During World Series
CHICAGO (CBS) -- With Wrigley Field set to host the World Series this weekend, this is not the first time city officials have dealt with this type of celebration.
Around 300,000 people took over the streets in Wrigleyville this past weekend, and that's what city officials expect this weekend. They say they are prepared, have made some adjustments and are confident the plan in place will be successful.
"It's going to be an inconvenient weekend," said Ald. Tom Tunney (44th Ward), describing what the World Series will mean for Chicago this weekend.
"People were in for the Series last weekend. We anticipate that if not more."
From additional officers in the streets to a widened preimeter, officials say they have the right plan in place to keep the area secure as there will be many in the area to watch the Cubs and Indians at Wrigley Field and local bars. Game 3 is Friday night, Game 4 is Saturday night and Game 5 is Sunday night, if necessary.
"Over 1,000 Chicago Police officers," Police Supt. Eddie Johnson says.
"A secondary perimeter put in place at start of home games to restrict traffic to local residents only," said Rich Guidice of the Office of Emergency Management and Communications. "Motorists will have to provide photo ID with proof of address to enter."
And even though the street closures may be inconvenient for some, they're also key for a successful weekend.
"If you don't have a ticket for the event, we encourage you to gether with friends and celebrate at home as traffic will be very heavy over here," Johnson added.
The Cubs will also have additional security inside and outside the ballpark to help with the efforts.
The following street closures are expected to be in effect significantly earlier than previous playoff series games:
- Clark: Irving Park to Belmont
- Addison: Halsted to Racine
Fans and residents around the ballpark should be aware that additional street closures may occur, as needed, for public safety.
Be aware of parking restrictions as well. No parking is allowed on the following streets beginning Tuesday, Oct. 25 at noon until Thursday, Oct. 27, at 4 a.m., as well as Friday, Oct. 28 at noon through Monday, Oct. 31 at 4.a.m:
- Clark from Aldine to Irving Park
- Sheffield from Grace to Roscoe
- Addison from Halsted to Southport
- Racine from Clark to Roscoe
- Irving Park from Clark to Seminary
- Eddy from Clark to Racine
- Cornelia from Clark to Racine
- Newport from Clark to Racine
- Waveland from Clark to Racine
- Patterson from Racine to Clark
- Inner Lake Shore Drive, east side of the street from Belmont to Addison