Wrigleyville Bars Prepare For Wild-Card Wednesday
(CBS) -- For David Strauss of Slugger's World Class Sports Bar in Wrigleyville, he, his brothers and his staff have hosted a night like this before.
"We're treating it like any other game day," he said. "It's business as usual. We've been there before and we're ready for it."
But he admits, it doesn't make Wednesday's NL wild-card game between the Cubs and Pirates in Pittsburgh any less exciting.
"This is probably going to be the epicenter of it all if they win," Strauss said. "This corner from us to Cubbie Bear is where everyone will be."
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Strauss says it will be all hands on deck Wednesday. They'll be serving alcohol in plastic cups and have extra security on hand to make sure fans have fun and stay safe.
"The city wants us to treat this like the seventh game of the World Series, but this is routine for us," he said. "We will continue to keep an eye out on occupancy, security and to make sure fans are having a safe, fun time."
But Strauss says they're already thinking about what could come next if the Cubs win the one-game playoff.
"We are definitely preparing for what could come next," he said. "If the Cubs win the World Series, that is uncharted territory."
Slugger's opens at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Strauss expects a standing room-only crowd even hours before the first pitch.
"We'll fill up fast," he said. "I'm sure we'll be packed by 1 or 2 o'clock."
Some bars along Clark are requiring minimums to reserve tables. Deuce's & Diamonds requires a $500 minimum to reserve a table. Old Crowe Smokehouse is requiring a $100-per-person reservation fee.
Strauss says Slugger's isn't taking reservations. It's a first-come, first-serve situation.
