Cubs host National League Central Division showdown during third homestand
Division foes Pittsburgh Pirates and Milwaukee Brewers visit for three games apiece
The Chicago Cubs return home for a continued stretch of games against National League Central Division opponents when they host the Pittsburgh Pirates and Milwaukee Brewers April 27-May 3 at Wrigley Field.
Wrigley Field will celebrate its football history this homestand while Chicago hosts the 2015 NFL Draft next weekend. The first 10,000 fans at the game Friday, May 1, will receive a Wrigley Field Football presented by Wintrust Community Banks that commemorates 50 seasons of Chicago Bears football at the historic ballpark. NFL legends Michael Irvin and Kurt Warner will throw ceremonial first pitches Tuesday, April 28, while NFL Network personalities Rich Eisen, Steve Mariucci and Melissa Stark will lead the 7th inning stretch. Former NFL great Ickey Woods will throw a first pitch the following day. Chicago Bears kicker Robbie Gould wraps up the homestand with a first pitch and 7th inning stretch Sunday, May 3.
The Cubs and Cubs Charities will continue this year's "Let's Give" campaign through several events and recognitions during the homestand. On Tuesday, April 28, the team will present a check to the Illinois Tornado Relief Fund from last week's fundraising efforts at Wrigley Field. Firefighters from Kirkland, Ill., who have aided in tornado recovery efforts will be recognized on the field pregame.
On Wednesday, April 29, the Cubs and Robert R. McCormick Foundation will celebrate the 25th anniversary of Cubs Care during the annual Cubs Care Grant Luncheon in the Audi Club at Wrigley Field. Cubs Charities and Cubs Care will grant more than $1 million to nonprofit organizations serving those in need in the Chicago area. That evening, Cubs Charities will recognize personal fundraising efforts from individuals running Saturday's Race to Wrigley Charity Run presented by ATI Physical Therapy. Proceeds from personal fundraising will support critical care needs for pediatric patients in Chicago. The top fundraising team and individual will be recognized during a pregame ceremony on the field.
On Friday, May 1, Cubs manager Joe Maddon will continue his "Respect Community" charity T-shirt initiative by representing Misericordia Heart of Mercy, a Cubs Charities grantee, during his post-game press conference.
Tickets remain available for the upcoming homestand at www.cubs.com or 800-THE-CUBS (800-843-2827). Highlights of the homestand follow.
Promotions:
The first 10,000 fans attending the game Friday, May 1, at 1:20 p.m. vs. the Milwaukee Brewers will receive a Wrigley Field Football presented by Wintrust Community Banks. Beginning in the 7th inning, fans can visit the Cubs Store across from Wrigley Field to inflate the football after they depart the ballpark.
Wintrust is rallying Cubs fans to support Cubs Charities and beat the rival White Sox in the process through its "You Decide" crosstown campaign. For each fan who opens a Wintrust Cubs checking account, Wintrust will donate $25 to Cubs Charities. Fans also can participate in the competition by tweeting with the #DecideCubs hashtag. With each use, Wintrust will donate 25 cents to Cubs Charities. Wintrust will donate an additional $25,000 to the charity of the team whose fans open the most accounts. Fans may visit www.wintrust.com/youdecide to participate.
On Sunday, May 3, the first 1,000 kids 13-and-under can run the bases post-game, weather permitting, as part of the team's ongoing Kids Sundays at Wrigley Field.
Guests and Entertainment:
The upcoming homestand welcomes several NFL legends and broadcasters in conjunction with the 2015 NFL Draft taking place in Chicago April 30-May 2. NFL legends Michael Irvin and Kurt Warner will throw ceremonial first pitches Tuesday, April 28, while NFL Network personalities Rich Eisen, Steve Mariucci and Melissa Stark will lead the 7th inning stretch. Former NFL great Ickey Woods will throw a first pitch the following day.
MLB Network "Intentional Talk" hosts Kevin Millar and Chris Rose lead off the homestand by singing the stretch Monday, April 27. The show will film live from Wrigley Field Monday and Tuesday, April 27-28, from 4-5 p.m. CDT.
On Friday, May 1, several actresses from "A League of Their Own" will throw ceremonial first pitches, while Chicago-native comedian Jeff Garlin will lead the 7th inning stretch.
Chicago Bears kicker Robbie Gould wraps up the homestand with a first pitch and 7th inning stretch Sunday, May 3.
Food Specials:
This homestand, the Decade Diner located in the right field concourse will serve a Schnitzel Whistler featuring a tall stack of breaded Bavarian style chicken, toasted peppercorn mayo, haystack onions and a toasted flour bap. The Italian Grinder homestand special features sliced capicola, salami, ham, provolone cheese, sliced tomatoes, lettuce and red wine vinaigrette on a toasted hoagie roll.
Homestand Recap, April 27-May 3:
Monday, April 27, Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 7:05 p.m.
- 7th inning stretch: MLB Network "Intentional Talk" hosts Kevin Millar and Chris Rose
- Broadcast: CSN, WBBM 780-AM, Cubs.com
Tuesday, April 28 vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 7:05 p.m.
- Pregame recognition: Firefighters from Kirkland, Ill., and check presentation for Illinois Tornado Relief Fund
- First pitches: NFL legends Michael Irvin and Kurt Warner
- 7th inning stretch: NFL Network personalities Rich Eisen, Steve Mariucci and Melissa Stark
- Broadcast: WPWR-TV, WBBM 780-AM, Cubs.com
Wednesday, April 29 vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 7:05 p.m.
- First pitch: Former NFL great Ickey Woods
- Broadcast: CSN, WBBM 780-AM, Cubs.com
Friday, May 1 vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 1:20 p.m.
- Promotion: Wrigley Field Football presented by Wintrust Community Banks, first 10,000 fans
- Pregame recognition: Race to Wrigley Charity Run personal fundraisers
- First pitches: Actresses from "A League of Their Own"
- 7th inning stretch: Chicago-native comedian Jeff Garlin
- Broadcast: CSN, MLB Network, WBBM 780-AM, Cubs.com
Saturday, May 2 vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 1:20 p.m.
- Broadcast: CSN, WBBM 780-AM, Cubs.com
Sunday, May 3 vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 1:20 p.m.
- First pitch and 7th inning stretch: Chicago Bears kicker Robbie Gould
- Broadcast: WGN, WBBM 780-AM, Cubs.com
- Promotion: Kids Run the Bases post-game, first 1,000 kids 13-and-under