From season ticket holder to grounds crew: A unique day at Wrigley field

For many Chicago Cubs season ticket holders, the perks extend far beyond just attending games. From throwing out the first pitch to exclusive behind-the-scenes access, these experiences bring fans closer to the heart of the game. Last Friday, I had the incredible opportunity to become an honorary member of the legendary Wrigley Field grounds crew—a once-in-a-lifetime experience that gave me a new appreciation for the painstaking care that goes into preparing a Major League Baseball field.

More than just a ticket: The perks of being a cubs season ticket holder

Being a Cubs season ticket holder isn’t just about having guaranteed seats to every home game and postseason matchups. It’s about being part of a community and having access to unique experiences that deepen your connection to the team and the iconic ballpark.

A couple of years ago, I had the honor of delivering the first pitch ball during a game against the Mariners—an exhilarating moment I’ll never forget. This year, my season ticket rep surprised me with an even more immersive experience: becoming an honorary member of the Wrigley Field grounds crew for a day. What made it so special was not just the title but the hands-on involvement I was about to have in readying the field for the game.

Behind the scenes at Wrigley Field: A grounds crew member’s day

The day of the experience dawned bright and clear, with sunny skies and temperatures in the comfortable 80s—perfect weather for a baseball game and ideal for a fan stepping onto the field to help prepare it. Coincidentally, the first pitch ball delivery I did back in April 2023 was also blessed with perfect weather. I joked to my ticket rep that I must bring good luck to the weather gods.

About an hour before the game, I was met by Art, a seasoned member of the grounds crew. He took me on a detailed tour of the field, explaining the complex preparations that happen before each game—many things that fans might see but never fully understand. For example, the warning track is meticulously raked every game, and the crew takes great care not to disturb its pristine condition by stepping on it after it’s been groomed.

One interesting tidbit Art shared was about the foul lines. At Wrigley, the lines beyond the dirt infield are actually old fire hoses that have been flattened and painted white. This means the crew has to sweep carefully, ensuring no debris is left on either side and the dirt remains perfectly smooth. The other foul lines, as well as the batter’s and catcher’s boxes, used to be marked by chalk but are now painted for better consistency.

Rolling up your sleeves: Painting and watering the field

The highlight of the day was when I was invited to take part in painting the foul lines on the third-base side—a task that requires steady hands and precision to maintain the immaculate look that Wrigley is known for. It was a small but meaningful contribution, and I felt a genuine sense of pride stepping into the shoes of the grounds crew, even if just for a moment.

Next, I joined the crew in watering down the infield. This proved to be more challenging than it sounds. The hose is heavy and must be moved in tandem with other crew members to evenly saturate the dirt. Walking backward in sync with the others while handling the water pressure took real teamwork and coordination. Watching them drain the hose afterward was a reminder of the physical demands and skill involved in every part of their job.

Discovering hidden corners of the Ballpark

The experience didn’t just stay on the field. I got a glimpse into some of the lesser-seen parts of Wrigley Field. We ventured under the bleachers where the batting cage—affectionately nicknamed “the turtle” because of its folding design—is stored along with other protective screens. It was surprising to see how much equipment fits into such small spaces, all organized with precise efficiency.

Before the players arrived, I had the chance to peek into the Cubs bullpen, and even walked past Cade Horton stretching in center field. One of the most fascinating stops was the grounds crew’s locker room located down the left-field line—a spot that once served as the Cubs’ clubhouse before the current facility behind the dugout was built in 1984. I learned that players used to walk across the field to get there after games, a quirky piece of Wrigley history.

Meeting the team behind the Turf

My day culminated with an introduction to Dan Kiermaier, the head groundskeeper and brother of former MLB player Kevin Kiermaier. Dan and his team welcomed me warmly and patiently answered my many questions. Their dedication and pride in maintaining Wrigley Field was palpable. It’s clear this crew isn’t just doing a job—they’re caretakers of one of baseball’s most storied landmarks. I’m also grateful to my season ticket representative, Kevin Enerson, for arranging this unforgettable experience. It’s not every day you get to be a tiny part of preparing Wrigley Field for a major league game.

A perfect ending to an unforgettable day

Friday’s game couldn’t have gone better for the Cubs either—they won decisively 13-3. Watching the team take the field that I helped ready made the entire experience feel full circle. It was a reminder that baseball is a game of details, tradition, and teamwork both on and off the field.

Being an honorary member of the grounds crew gave me a newfound respect for the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make every game possible. For any Cubs fan lucky enough to get this opportunity, it’s not just about stepping onto the field—it’s about stepping into the heart and soul of Wrigley Field.