The MLB All-Star Game is returning to Wrigley Field in 2027 for the fourth time and first in 37 years. The festivities are still two years away, but fans at Tuesday’s Cubs game were looking forward to seeing the sport’s best players in Chicago.
“I’m really excited,” said Sean Healy, 56, who lives in Los Angeles but travels to Chicago for games. “I’ve been to the World Series, I’ve been to playoff games here. Never been to an All-Star Game.”
The 2027 game will be the eighth time the Midsummer Classic takes place in Chicago. The most recent was on July 15, 2003, at U.S. Cellular Field. Led by two scoreless innings from Sox right-hander Esteban Loaiza, the American League won 7-6 and gained home-field advantage for the World Series.
Wrigley last hosted the MLB All-Stars in 1990, with previous games in 1947 and 1962. The last outing was remembered for a 68-minute rain delay and a lack of offense in the AL’s 2-0 win. Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg won the Home Run Derby.
“We’re pretty old-school, so we like old Wrigley,” Debra Brooks, 69, said Tuesday. “We used to always enjoy coming early to catch the balls and things like that.”
Cubs fans made way-too-early predictions that center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong will be present for the 2027 All-Star Game, along with shout-outs to other Cubs. Not mentioned were rookie third baseman Matt Shaw, who homered Tuesday, or left-hander Shota Imanaga, who had seven strikeouts in a quality start in the 5-1 loss.
“Hopefully Michael Busch by that time will be there, (Seiya) Suzuki will get his first nod and maybe Cade Horton and (Matthew) Boyd,” Healy said.
Added Brooks: “Not as exciting as a World Series, but it will be really cool. It’s probably going to be really hard to get tickets.”
The 2025 All-Star Game at the Atlanta Braves’ Truist Park sold out in a blink of an eye — despite the cost. The get-in price was $220 for standing room only, while seats ranged from $260 to more than $2,500.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred announces that Wrigley Field will host the 2027 All-Star Game during a ceremony on Aug. 1, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Wrigley Field, which holds 41,649 fans, likely won’t be any more generous when it comes to ticket prices. But that won’t faze die-hard Cubs fans.
“I don’t really have ticket shock,” Healy said. “I paid $3,000 to sit in the bleachers for Game 3 of the World Series and I paid $2,800 on opening night in Tokyo. I won’t go above those numbers though — $3,000 World Series is my threshold.”
It was a long, drawn-out fight to bring the All-Star Game back to the Friendly Confines. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred pointed to a planned $32.1 million security improvement, which includes installing bollards and widening sidewalks, as the reason Wrigley won the bid.
“It really is important for us and it was important for securing the game,” Manfred said in the Aug. 1 announcement.
Added Gov. JB Pritzker, who was also in attendance: “What makes the city and state so welcoming is the kindness and the uplifting spirit of our people. So to all the baseball fans out there, we can’t wait to welcome you to the great city of Chicago.”
Chicago is used to hosting big events, including Lollapalooza last weekend and the NASCAR Chicago Street Race over the Fourth of July weekend. When the baseball world descends upon Wrigleyville for the 2027 event, Cubs faithful believe the area can handle the rush.
“We’ve got to remember that we’re in a neighborhood, so there’s so much that you can do,” Healy said. “I think for people who have never been here before or have always wanted to come, it’ll be very special, especially with all the events that they plan and the MLB experience.”
It won’t matter if it’s Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, Cal Raleigh or any other All-Star who plays at Wrigley Field. Cubs fans will be there and they’ll say the same thing:
Finally.