The best part about weekday afternoon Cubs games in April is that you can sit wherever you want. So buy the cheapest seats possible and stroll down to the lower level. Sitting in the first rows of the 200 level is about as easy as it gets and the seats are good since there are no obstructed views. Plus, the ushers do not check tickets. It is possible to “sneak” into the 100 level of Wrigley Field but most ushers check tickets so be diligent.

The Ultimate Sports Wife and I decided to sit in the 200 level today. Yet, when we sat down in row two of section 224, to our surprise, the usher (supposed to be protecting the 100 level) asked us if we had tickets for the area. I told him no and the usher was just about to shoo us away, when Nicole was able to sweet talk her way into the seats. The usher told us we could stay. But he also lectured us that we should have asked him first before assuming we could sit there. And, he was right. Every person who tried to sit down after us got denied if they did not have tickets for the section. Each time he rejected someone he reminded us that if they had asked first he would have let them sit down.

Next time I try to sit in better seats at Wrigley Field, I will ask the usher first to see if this strategy holds true. My theory is that it will not hold up. I’m assuming most ushers have an “ask for forgiveness and not permission” philosophy. Meaning if you ask them to sit in better seats they will send you on your way. If you just sit there they probably will not bother you.

As an example, when I attended the Cubs game on Sunday, April 18, my friend was freezing and wanted to sit in sunny seats. We asked an usher if we could sit in the last row of the 100 level (down the left field line) because the seats were in the sun. The usher responded that the Cubs told him if a fan is hit with a foul ball while not in their “assigned” seat then the usher is liable for the fan’s injury. This is just a long explanation for saying no.

Instead, we moved to the front row of the 100 level behind the Houston Astros dugout and sat a few seats from an usher. The usher never asked to see our tickets and we were able to sit in the sun for the rest of the game.

So what are the lessons here? First, ask for forgiveness and never ask for permission. What are they doing to do? Tell you to move. If they do, move and try again elsewhere. Most likely you will find better seats within three attempts. Two, be aware of the stickler ushers and never get angry when usher asks you to move. If these old sticklers won’t let you sit in better seats, they would be more than happy to send you to “Cubs jail”.

Washington Nationals at Chicago Cubs
The Nationals defeated the Cubs 3-2. Adam Dunn broke his tie with Albert Pujols – becoming the active player with the most home runs versus the Cubs. Dunn now has 41 home runs versus the Cubs and reminded the Ultimate Sports Wife of why she hates him so much. But, the Cardinals still have 15 games against the Cubs this season and the Nationals only have three more. Thus, Pujols will probably have the lead by the time the season ends. Maybe Dunn should have never left the NL Central.