Aldermen Urge Public Transportation Use For Cubs, Sox Games
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Opening day has arrived for the Cubs, and the team and the local alderman are urging fans to use public transportation.
As WBBM Newsradio's John Waelti reports, Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) says parking close to Wrigley Field quite simply is not an option.
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"The script is basically the same – limited parking in Wrigleyville-Lakeview," Tunney said. "The difference between this year and last year is about a dollar more on gas, so that should be another incentive not for you to drive."
Tunney and the Cubs' Mike Lufrano both recommend using a remote lot at DeVry University, on Rockwell Street south of Addison Street on the old Riverview Park site. Shuttle buses take fans to Wrigley Field from the site.
The Cubs began using the DeVry parking lot nine years ago at the request of the city.
Meanwhile, several small parking lots and garages do open up for Cubs fans, along Clark Street and as far east as the Boystown strip on Halsted Street. But on side streets, parking is largely restricted to permit holders, and those without permits can be towed if they park during a Cubs night game.
Across town, the White Sox' home opener is coming up on April 13. Ald. James Balcer (11th) says parking is better at U.S. Cellular Field, which is surrounded by surface lots for several blocks.
But Balcer still recommends using public transportation, and he asks fans to maintain their decorum.
"Respect the community. Respect the people that are in there," Balcer said. "Don't walk out of bars with drinks."
Both aldermen say they are expecting a Sox-Cubs World Series in 2012, and they said it with straight faces.
