What you need to know about the Cubs opener
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Wrigley on Wednesday afternoon. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios
Thursday is the first day of Wrigleyville spring, a glorious moment when the Cubs have lost zero games and anything is possible.
The basics: Thursday's opener against the Washington Nationals starts at 1:20pm with temps expected to hit the 60s followed by some potentially nasty rain and even hail.
- Fans can check out a military flyover from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 112 at around 1:02 p.m. before the game.
- Gates open two hours before the first pitch.
🏆 State of play: After a strong offseason, the Cubs might be positioned for another playoff run, Justin writes.
🧢 Catch up quick: The North Siders rekindled some 2016 vibes last year, but ultimately lost to the Brewers in the National League Division Series.
- Star center fielder and fan favorite Pete Crow-Armstrong reportedly signed a six-year, $115 million contract extension this week.
- PCA is joined by All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman and Miami flamethrower Edward Cabrera. Justin Steele should return later this summer from an injury.
- The Cubs parted ways with star right fielder Kyle Tucker after he struggled down the stretch last season.
In other Wrigley news ...
🍽️ Owners of Wrigleyville fixture Uncommon Ground, Mike and Helen Cameron, announced they're retiring and hoping to sell the farm-to-table restaurant and music space.
🚗 Parking pushback: The team is facing neighborhood opposition to a proposed parking lot expansion near Grace and Clark.
- Active transit advocates say it will create more congestion, but Cubs officials say it will simply accommodate current parking demand.
🚲 Did you know the Cubs offer free bike valet service for home games?
- Just bring your bike to the alley near the Addison Red Line and valets will store it up to three hours before the game and one hour after.
- The #152 Addison bus runs more frequently two hours before and one hour after all games.
🍗 Latest bites: Several new Wrigleyville spots — especially for hot chicken — have opened in the last year, including:
- Hattie B's on Gallagher Way for Nashville hot chicken.
- Hot Chi Chicken, near the Belmont train stop, offers a local take on Hattie B's.
- Panda Express opened right across Addison from the park with its own super-hot chicken.
- Galata Mediterranean Grill has landed in the late great PS Bangkok spot.
- Mordecai, across Clark, closed in January and has relaunched with more family-friendly American classic options by chef Matthias Merges.
🍺 Drinking holes: Kincade's has opened its second location across from the park on Clark with $5 Guinness every day and free hot dogs on game days.
- Pilot Project Brewing and Stolen Saddle opened last spring and summer.
What's next: The White Sox play their home opener at Rate Field on April 2.