Why you should experience The Ivy at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois.
The Ivy at Wrigley Field is a cherished ballpark tradition where Wrigleyville's baseball heritage, historic character, timeless design, and sporting culture create one of the most recognizable features in Major League Baseball.
Set inside Wrigley Field along North Sheffield Avenue near Waveland Avenue and just steps from the Wrigley Bleachers, this celebrated outfield wall transforms every game into a uniquely Chicago experience as lush ivy blankets the historic brick walls, creating an unforgettable backdrop for dramatic catches, home runs, and generations of Cubs memories. Seasonal color, century-old architecture, and the energy of devoted fans create an atmosphere unlike any other ballpark. Every inning reflects more than a century of baseball tradition. The result is an experience defined by historic authenticity, visual distinction, and one of the sport's most enduring symbols.
What you should know about The Ivy at Wrigley Field.
The Ivy at Wrigley Field is best known for covering the iconic brick outfield walls since 1937, when Chicago Cubs president Philip K. Wrigley commissioned landscape architect Bill Veeck Sr. to soften the appearance of the stadium's recently installed concrete-and-brick outfield walls as part of a comprehensive renovation directed by architect Zachary Taylor Davis. The original plantings consisted of English ivy (Hedera helix) and Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata), selected for their ability to thrive in Chicago's climate while creating a distinctive living backdrop unlike any other professional baseball venue. Because the ivy grows directly from the soil at the base of the walls rather than attaching independently to the brick, it naturally changes color with the seasons, appearing lush green throughout the summer before turning brilliant shades of crimson and burgundy during autumn. Under Major League Baseball ground rules, any ball becoming lodged within the ivy is immediately ruled a ground-rule double, making the vegetation not only an architectural feature but also an active part of gameplay that has influenced countless memorable moments throughout Wrigley Field's history.
Beyond its visual appeal, the ivy has become one of baseball's most enduring cultural symbols, appearing in countless photographs, films, broadcasts, and championship celebrations while representing the continuity of Wrigley Field as one of the oldest active ballparks in Major League Baseball. Groundskeepers carefully trim and maintain the vines throughout the season to preserve consistent playing conditions while protecting the structural integrity of the century-old walls beneath. The ivy remained intact through the extensive 1060 Project renovation that modernized Wrigley Field during the 2010s, reflecting the Cubs' commitment to preserving the ballpark's defining historic features even as new technology and fan amenities were introduced. Every vine, brick, and outfield wall demonstrates how landscape architecture, historic preservation, sporting tradition, and thoughtful stewardship combine to create one of the most recognizable features in professional sports.
How to fold The Ivy at Wrigley Field into your trip.
The Ivy at Wrigley Field works as the historic centerpiece of an exploration through Wrigley Field's celebrated traditions.
Begin at Wrigley Field, where one of Major League Baseball's most historic ballparks introduces the extraordinary legacy of Cubs baseball before admiring The Ivy. Continue to the Wrigley Bleachers, whose devoted fans and unique atmosphere deepen the classic game-day experience. Conclude at the Ernie Banks Statue, where a tribute to “Mr. Cub” provides a memorable finale celebrating the remarkable relationship between baseball, history, and neighborhood character that defines Wrigleyville. The progression moves naturally from historic ballpark to baseball's most iconic outfield wall before concluding through two defining Cubs landmarks, revealing why The Ivy remains one of Chicago's most treasured sporting traditions.
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