Chicago Cubs, WXRT and Metro host ‘Lin’s Binge’ August 19 in honor of late radio host Lin Brehmer

Celebration to include pregame culinary experience at Gallagher Way, limited-edition cap with ticket purchase, special Cubs Charities 50/50 raffle, postgame event at Metro and more

July 17th, 2023

CHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs, WXRT-FM (WXRT) and Metro together will host “Lin’s Binge” at Wrigley Field Saturday, August 19, in honor of the late Chicago radio host Lin Brehmer who passed away earlier this year from cancer. Brehmer was a cultural icon and mainstay in the world of radio broadcasting, spending decades at WXRT in Chicago primarily as the station’s morning drive host.

“Chicagoans know Lin as the iconic radio legend with a distinctive sign-on and unique voice, but to the Cubs organization, Lin was more than that — he was a dear friend,” said Cubs President of Business Operations Crane Kenney. “Outside of his family, Lin loved two things above all else: music and Cubs baseball. On August 19, the Cubs are proud to pay tribute to the legendary radio host and everybody’s best friend in the whole world in partnership with WXRT and Metro.” 

To honor and celebrate the legendary radio host on what would have been his 69th birthday, Lin’s Binge at Wrigley Field will include:

  • A special culinary experience pregame at Gallagher Way organized by some of Brehmer’s favorite restaurants and chefs including Paul Kahan, Beverly Kim, Tony Mantuano, Matthias Merges, Tony Priolo and more. Food vouchers can be purchased at Gallagher Way for $10 with proceeds benefiting Intonation and Nourishing Hope (formerly Lakeview Pantry), two of Brehmer’s favorite nonprofit organizations. The culinary experience will open three hours prior to first pitch and will conclude an hour following the start of the game.
  • A limited-edition Lin’s Binge cap for the first 1,000 fans that purchase through the Special Ticket Offer. A portion of the proceeds from the Special Ticket Offer will be donated to Intonation and Nourishing Hope.
  • A Cubs Charities 50/50 Raffle where one lucky winner will take home half of the net proceeds and the other half will benefit Intonation and Nourishing Hope.   
  • Musical performances at Gallagher Way pre- and postgame for fans to enjoy, selected by Metro.

As part of the pregame festivities before the Cubs take on the Kansas City Royals, a member of Brehmer’s family will throw out a ceremonial first pitch. During the game, fans will be entertained by a playlist of Brehmer’s favorite songs, curated by longtime WXRT host, Terri Hemmert. A video montage of Brehmer singing will be played for the seventh-inning stretch.

“Lin meant so much to so many people throughout Chicago, and beyond,” said Audacy Regional President Rachel Williamson. “The WXRT family is appreciative of our friends at the Cubs and the Metro, and Lin’s family, for collaborating to throw a celebration of Lin Brehmer worthy of the name. Combining Lin’s biggest passions – good music, Cubbies baseball, great food, a stellar rock show, family and friends – while raising money for organizations he cared deeply about, on his 69th birthday we will honor the legacy of our best friend with the city of Chicago.”

Following the game at 7 p.m. CDT, a sold out “Celebration of Lin Brehmer” event will be held at Metro (3730 N. Clark Street) in partnership with WXRT for fans 18 years of age and older. The event will feature musical performances by Bob Mould, Los Lobos and The LinBurgers with special guest Michael McDermott. The evening's hosts will include Brehmer's friends and colleagues. Event proceeds will benefit Intonation and Nourishing Hope.

“We are thrilled to be a part of Lin’s Binge and to celebrate the incredible legacy of Lin Brehmer on what would have been his 69th birthday, August 19,” said founder of Metro, smartbar and Gman Tavern Joe Shanahan. “This day brings together Lin’s passions for music, community, food, and baseball, and we are honored to contribute to the festivities. I believe Lin’s Binge, the Cubs game, and the evening “Celebration of Lin” concert at Metro all showcase Chicago’s communal spirit in its fullest form, which Lin embodied and loved so much.”

For more information on Lin’s Binge at Wrigley Field or to purchase a ticket for the celebration, visit www.cubs.com/specials. For more information on Metro’s “Celebration of Lin Brehmer” event, please visit Metro’s page linked here.