Cubs up the Security at Wrigley Field

• By Sydny Shepard
• Mar 25, 2016

The Cubs will open Wrigley Field to fans two and a half hours before game time for the home opener on April 11 because of new security measures.

For the first time, Wrigley will now have metal detectors at every gate, which is likely to cause delays for fans entering the park. The detectors were mandated by the Major Baseball League.

In a video for fans, Wrigley security officials show the four step process to enter the field. The security checkpoint is similar to an airport security screening, but fans will not have to remove their shoes, jackets or belt. They can also keep their wallets, coins and watches on them if they so desire.

Fans are asked to wait patiently for their turn at the metal detector; before they go through they must place their “heavy metal” materials in the tray to the side of the detector. Then they are allowed to step through. If the metal detector suspects something is on the fan, they will guided to the side where they will be scanned with a metal detection wand. After that, they are prompted to grab their things from the tray and have their ticket scanned.

Wrigley officials are asking Cub fans to be patient and to budget additional time when making plans to attend the game. They expect the lines will be longer than fans have experienced in the past.  For those who do not want to wait in the longer lines, there will be “express lanes” for fans that did not bring any bags or containers.

They ask fans to keep prohibited items such as alcohol, big bags and hard-sided coolers at home. For a full list of prohibited and permitted items check click here.