Day baseball at Wrigley Field in Chicago is a tradition. The oldest stadium in the National League (it opened in 1914 and the Cubs moved in a year later) didn’t install lights until 1988 and even today a sizeable section of the fan base would much rather have the Cubbies play under the sun than the moon.
For at least the first two games of the National League Wild Card series, those folks are going to be very happy.
Major League Baseball announced start times and broadcast information for the first two games between the Padres and Cubs and any of the Friar Faithful in San Diego might want to start making plans for long lunches now. First pitch for both games look like this (all times Pacific):
Game 1 – Tuesday, September 30: 12:08 p.m., ABC, ESPN App, ESPN Radio, ESPN Deportes
Game 2 – Wednesday, October 1: 12:08 p.m., ABC, ESPN App, ESPN Radio, ESPN Deportes
Game 3 (if necessary) – TBD
If the Friars and Cubbies split the first two games they’ll play a decisive Game 3 on Thursday with a start time to be determined.
San Diego is even getting lucky with the notoriously unpredictable Chicago weather. It’s expected to be in the mid-70’s with clear skies and no chance for rain. Even the wind in the Windy City is expected to top out at 8 MPH.
Starting on Wednesday for Game 2, and for every road game thereafter, the Padres will be hosting a watch party at Gallagher Square inside Petco Park with the game on the 75-foot video screen. Admission to the watch parties is $5 with net ticket proceeds benefitting the Padres Foundation. Fans can purchase up to four tickets per household by clicking here.
The Padres and Cubs split their six meetings in 2025, both taking two out of three in their home ballparks. But, all of those games were played in April so the teams that are getting together in the playoffs are significantly different now. NBC 7 will be with the Friars in Chicago and providing daily reports starting on Monday to get you ready, and keep you updated, on San Diego’s quest for a World Series title.