Cubs home opener 2024: Fans flock to Wrigley Field for matchup against Rockies

Another season of Cubs baseball at Wrigley Field gets started Monday when the team hosts the Rockies to kick off a three-game series. The home opener is slated to start at 1:20 p.m. CT, unless the day's rainy weather forecast manages to get in the way.

A tough start to the season for the Cubs finally turned their way Sunday when the team toppled the Rangers, 9-5, to claim their first win of the season. Christopher Morel, who hit a three-run homer in the victory, has been a bright spot early on.

Things are more worrisome on the mound, where the team lost Opening Day starter Justin Steele to injury early in his first start. Shota Imanaga, the team's big free agent addition to the rotation, will make his MLB debut after he showed some exciting flashes during spring training. The Rockies will have Dakota Hudson starting Monday.

Unlike typical games, where doors open 90 minutes before first pitch, fans will be allowed to enter Wrigley Field on Monday starting at 11:20 a.m., roughly two hours early. The first 30,000 fans to arrive will receive a 2024 Cubs magnet schedule they can throw on their fridge all summer.

Opening optimism

Fans want to see the Cubs make the playoffs, after the team narrowly missed out last year.

Cecy Mendoza, 52, who has attended 20 home openers, said she’s “crossing her fingers” the team makes it to October.

“New team, new hope, new adventures,” Mendoza said. “I’m hoping for the best.”

Kasey Woods, 19, traveled from Iowa to attend the home opener with her father.

“This was my first home opener,” Woods said.

As for the upcoming season, Woods wants to see Seiya Suzuki to “make a strong, strong impact.” Likewise, Cubs fan Jack Walker said he is “pumped” for Suzuki.

“He had a great spring training,” Walker said. “I love watching him.”

Wagers at Wrigley

Guests walked in and out of the DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field, where fans can now place sports bets.

“We're gonna check out the sportsbook for the first time this year, so it should be exciting,” said Andy Diaz, 47, a Cubs fan from the South Side.

Mendoza, who also plans to go, said it can draw in more money and people.

“I think it’s a good thing for the community,” she said. “Those who cannot be in-person at the game, they can always just hang out there.”

(Sun-Times columnist Rick Morrissey offered his thoughts on the new sportsbook.)

Ready to take a bite

Walker, 65, a “die hard” Cubs fan with a Cubs’ tattoo, said he wants to try something new and something traditional from the food vendors: the new steak sandwich and his usual — a hot dog.

“Every winter, I say I can't wait to get a hot dog here. I don't know why they're better here,” Walker said.

Weather forecast

It may be April Fool's Day but the Monday weather is no joke. This afternoon the high will be near 47 degrees with wind and rain expected, according to the National Weather Service.

Showers are most likely to occur after 2 p.m., so fans heading to the game will want to plan to bring a rain jacket.

Even with the prospect of rain, fans say poor weather isn’t going to affect the team’s performance. “I think we're gonna hold up, the rain will stop, and the Cubs are gonna play good,” said Michael Pech, 29, a lifelong Cubs fan.

How to watch

First pitch is set for 1:20 p.m. CT. Marquee Sports Network will have live TV coverage of the game, while 670 The Score will be airing radio coverage.