What premium seats are like at Cubs games: Inside the Catalina Club

Welcome to SeatGeek Front Row, where SeatGeek employees share their best tips for getting the most out of live events. For this edition, Enablement Manager Kim Peek breaks down what it’s really like to experience a Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field with premium seating.

No visit to Chicago is complete without a visit to Wrigley Field. Whether you’re a local or  visiting for the weekend, catching a Cubs game is an iconic experience that provides an authentic view of the city’s history and character. 

The ivy, the hand-operated scoreboard, the neighborhood rooftops and the packed bars on Clark Street all feel distinctly Chicago. But as charming as Wrigley is, it’s still a busy ballpark. That means tighter spaces, crowded bathrooms and long lines can all be part of the experience.

That’s where the Catalina Club really stands out.

Why the Catalina Club is one of the best premium experiences at Wrigley Field

If you’re looking to elevate your Wrigley Field experience without losing the energy that makes the ballpark special, the Catalina Club is one of the best premium options to know about.

One of the biggest perks starts before you even get to your seat. Catalina Club ticket holders can use the Harrison Street entrance on Clark Street, which gives you a private way into the ballpark. From there, we were able to take an elevator straight up to the club, avoiding the main gate lines that can build quickly around Wrigley.

That easier entry made a noticeable difference. We arrived about 30 minutes before first pitch, which gave us enough time to get settled without feeling rushed. Gates open 90 minutes before first pitch, so arriving earlier is a smart move if you want extra time to explore the stadium, grab food or enjoy the club before the game starts.

Located below the press box behind home plate, the Catalina Club gives fans a premium experience with three different ways to enjoy the game. You can watch from padded seats inside the stadium, take in the action through the open windows of the club, or step out onto the balcony for a view of the skyline and the Wrigleyville neighborhood.

That flexibility is what makes it feel different from a standard seat. You’re still very much surrounded by crowd energy at the game, but you also have space to cool off, grab food and use a private bathroom without fully leaving the action behind.

What makes the Catalina Club especially family-friendly

One of the most surprising things about the Catalina Club is how well it works for different types of fans.

For families, especially those with younger kids, the small conveniences add up quickly. Private bathrooms mean you do not have to wait in a long line to change a diaper. The indoor club area gives toddlers more space to move around, and it gives parents a place to reset during hot summer afternoons or chilly early-season games when Chicago weather is doing Chicago weather things.

The club strikes a unique balance, giving you the comfort and convenience of a premium experience without losing the charm and energy that makes Wrigley Field special. Some of the most passionate fans are in this section, and when the Cubs make a late-game push, the atmosphere ramps up quickly.

The food and drinks inside the Catalina Club

The all-inclusive food and drink setup (including alcohol) is a massive win.

The Catalina Club includes a wide range of options, with Chicago favorites worked into the experience. You’ll find things like Garrett Popcorn, local beers on draft and a build-your-own Chicago-style hot dog bar. There are also dishes that reflect Chicago’s broader food scene, plus a self-serve ice cream chest for anyone with a sweet tooth.

On the day I visited, the food lineup also included loaded mac and cheese, Moroccan chicken, and al pastor and pork belly tacos, which made the club feel more like a full dining experience than a standard ballpark concession setup.

The all-inclusive setup makes the premium ticket feel more practical since you’re also cutting down on lines and extra spending on concessions.

More insider tips for Cubs games at Wrigley Field

A little planning can make a Wrigley Field day much easier, especially if you’re heading to a busy weekend game.

Enjoying the game from outside the stadium

Looking for a more premium experience on a budget? Wrigley’s rooftop seats are another uniquely Chicago experience.

Located on top of the classic brownstones surrounding Wrigley Field, the rooftops let you watch the game from outside the stadium while still getting some of the comforts of a premium ticket. Many rooftop experiences include food, drinks, and private bathrooms, giving the day a similar all-inclusive feel without being inside the ballpark itself.

It’s a different perspective than sitting in the stands, but that’s part of what makes it special. Watching a Cubs game from a Wrigleyville rooftop is one of those only-in-Chicago baseball experiences.

Getting to Wrigley Field

Wrigley Field is easy to access by public transportation, and that’s usually the simplest way to get there.

The Red Line is the most convenient option. Take it to Addison, which drops you just one block from the stadium. CTA buses like the #22 Clark and #152 Addison also stop nearby, making it easy to get into Wrigleyville without dealing with game-day parking.

If you’re driving, the Cubs offer a free remote parking garage in Uptown with shuttle service to Wrigleyville. From the drop-off point, it’s about a three-block walk through the neighborhood to the stadium, which gives you a chance to soak in the energy around Wrigley before first pitch.

What to do before and after the game

Wrigleyville is one of the best game-day neighborhoods in baseball, full of bars, restaurants and entertainment for every kind of fan.

Before the game, Big Star is a great stop for tacos and margaritas, while Small Cheval is an easy choice for burgers, fries and shakes. If you want the classic Wrigleyville pregame feel, grab a beer on the patio at Murphy’s Bleachers, a neighborhood fixture that was also one of the first bars to offer rooftop seats.

After the game, Gallagher Way is a great family-friendly option right next to the stadium, with live music, games and activities throughout the season. If you want to keep the night going, Boystown is a short walk away for dancing and cocktails. For something more scenic, walk about 15 minutes to the Lakefront Trail for some of the best views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline.

How to buy Cubs tickets at Wrigley Field with SeatGeek

Ready for your next game at Wrigley Field? SeatGeek is the Official Ticket Marketplace of Major League Baseball, and makes it easy to compare everything from classic Wrigley seats to premium options like the Catalina Club.

If you’re specifically looking for an upgraded experience, you can also browse Cubs premium seating options in one place instead of clicking through every individual game.

1. Head to the Cubs page on SeatGeek Open the SeatGeek app or go to the website, then search for the Cubs. From there, you can browse upcoming home games at Wrigley Field and start getting a feel for what kinds of seats are available.

2. Choose your game Scroll through the Cubs schedule and pick the matchup, day and start time that fit the kind of Wrigleyville experience you want.

3. Use the seat map to compare sections Once you click into a game, use the interactive seat map to compare different parts of the ballpark. Whether you’re looking for seats behind home plate, something closer to the bleachers, or a spot with easier access to concessions, the map makes it easy to weigh price against experience. You can also use SeatGeek’s Deal Score to quickly spot the best value tickets based on factors like seat location, price, historical data, and ticket quality.

4. Check out premium seating if you want an elevated experience If you’re interested in club access, all-inclusive food and drinks, private bathrooms, and a less crowded entry experience, look for the Premium tab on the Cubs page. That’s the easiest way to compare upgraded options without hunting through every listing manually.

One important note: the Catalina Club is labeled as “James Hardie Catalina Club” in the premium section on SeatGeek, and you’ll also see that same name on the actual ticket listings.

5. Review your seats and check out Once you’ve found the right fit, confirm the section, row, quantity and all-in price, then sign in to your SeatGeek account or create one to complete your purchase. All orders are backed by SeatGeek’s Buyer Guarantee, which means your tickets will be delivered in time, provide valid entry and match what you ordered.

6. Get ready for game day When it’s time for first pitch, open the SeatGeek app and have your tickets ready on your phone before heading into Wrigley Field. 

Wrigley Field is already one of the most iconic venues in sports. Premium seating like the Catalina Club adds even more comfort and flexibility, helping you enjoy everything the stadium has to offer without the stress of navigating the busiest parts of game day.

Kim Peek leads the Content Enablement team at SeatGeek, where she and her team create product documentation, Help Center articles, and self-paced learning resources that help fans find answers and navigate the platform with ease. A longtime Chicago resident, Kim has lived in several neighborhoods and proudly represents the city’s signature Chicago pride.