Aug 8, 2025 - History
Photos: The night the lights came to Wrigley Field
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On this day in Chicago history, Wrigley Field hosted its first game under the lights.
Flashback: The Tribune Company, which owned the Cubs at the time, flipped the switch on new lights at Wrigley Field so the North Siders could play night baseball.
- In 1988, Wrigley Field was the only stadium in baseball without lights.
The intrigue: In 1985, the league decided that if the Cubs made the World Series, they would have to play at a different stadium to accommodate prime-time viewing.
- This forced the team to add lights, even though the neighborhood was against it.
Fun fact: While Aug. 8, 1988 was the first time the lights were turned on, the game was rained out.
- Technically, Aug. 9, 1988 was the first night game played at Wrigley Field.