DraftKings retail sportsbook has swung open its doors at one of America’s most iconic baseball parks, Wrigley Field, located in Chicago, Illinois, and home of the Chicago Cubs.
Place Your Bets
The grand opening of the impressive retail sportsbook located at 1012 W Addison St. took place last Friday and the ceremonial first bet was placed by former Chicago Bears offensive guard, Kyle Long. In keeping with the hometown theme, it wasn’t surprising that Long bet on the Cubs to win the 2024 World Series.
“Today marks a significant milestone in this multi-year project and it represents the shared vision and longstanding relationship DraftKings has established with the Chicago Cubs,” said Michael Kibort, Senior Director, of Retail Sportsbook at DraftKings. “Fans will soon be able to experience the commitment both organizations have in creating unforgettable and authentic moments around sports.”
DraftKings reportedly paid $100 million to the Chicago Cubs for a 10-year pact that includes opening a sportsbook at Wrigley as well as other ancillary rights bearing the Chicago Cubs name and logo, including the new home of the Cubs broadcast, the Marquee Sports Network. The deal was announced in September with the intention that the retail sportsbook would be open for the 2024 MLB season.
Not the First, Just the Latest
After the deal was consummated, Matt Kalish, co-founder and president of DraftKings, said, “We want to build the biggest retail sportsbook in the country right in the heart of Wrigley, with an unrivaled experience, food and beverage, and the ability of a fan to go there pre-game, make bets, go to the game and sweat and come back and cash their tickets on the way out.”
Those who visit the sportsbook will have plenty of room to spread out in the 17,000 square foot floor plan replete with a VIP section as well as posh booths, tables and stools along the Jim Beam Bar. There will not only be an extensive cocktail menu, but a vast array of food options provided by Levy, the same company that provides hospitality services at Wrigley Field.
“From the ballpark and rooftops to Gallagher Way and now the DraftKings Sportsbook, there are so many ways for fans to experience world-class hospitality at Wrigley Field. We’re excited for this new space to capture the energy and excitement of a visit to the ballpark, with a hospitality experience all its own, crafted around all of the ways fans enjoy the action together,” said Jeff Denlea, Vice President of Hospitality Strategy for Levy at Wrigley Field.
And as exciting as it may be for those Cubs fans who want the experience of the ballpark coupled with the excitement of a wager, this isn’t the first, nor will it be the last, retail sportsbook at a ballpark, stadium, or arena.
The following is a list of retail sportsbooks currently operating at sports venues in multiple US states:
- Audi Field (FanDuel Sportsbook – D.C. United)
- Capital One Arena (Caesars Sportsbook – Washington Wizards & Capitals)
- Chase Field (Caesars Sportsbook – Arizona Diamondbacks)
- Citi Field (Caesars Sportsbook – New York Mets)
- FedExField (Fanatics Sportsbook – Washington Commanders)
- Footprint Center (FanDuel Sportsbook – Phoenix Suns & Mercury)
- Nationals Park (BetMGM Sportsbook – Washington Nationals)
- Progressive Field (Fanatics Sportsbook – Cleveland Guardians)
- Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse (Caesars Sportsbook – Cleveland Cavaliers)
- State Farm Stadium (BetMGM Sportsbook – Arizona Cardinals)
- United Center (FanDuel Sportsbook – Chicago Bulls & Blackhawks)
- Wrigley Field (DraftKings Sportsbook – Chicago Cubs)
