Rant: Spring in Chicago

[AWvsCBsteeeerike3]

Wrigley Field is horrible early in the year. I remember flying up for a game, getting off the plane, thinking a hoodie would be sufficient and was miserably mistaken. Needed a [expletive] winter coat. Iirc, the game was in May. Sat behind homeplate and was so cold I couldn't even drink beer.

[cardinalkarp]

We got extremely lucky last year. We went up to Chicago and Wrigley in May of last year and the weather was beautiful. It got a little chilly for the night game (in the 50's), but the day game we went to the next day couldn't have been better...70's & not a cloud in the sky.

And the trip was highlighted by meeting Jim and one of his sons for a couple hours before the game & drank a beer (or four).

[jim]

We got extremely lucky last year. We went up to Chicago and Wrigley in May of last year and the weather was beautiful. It got a little chilly for the night game (in the 50's), but the day game we went to the next day couldn't have been better...70's & not a cloud in the sky.

And the trip was highlighted by meeting Jim and one of his sons for a couple hours before the game & drank a beer (or four).

You did get lucky that day. Not only that, the weather wasn't bad. (tee-hee)

[IMADreamer]

Chicago is what is messed up about Illinois. It's a political cesspool, sucking in tax money from hundreds of miles away to fund the dysfunction. Splitting this into two states would be fine by the majority of people outside the sucking vortex of the black hole called Chicago.

I tend to agree with that to some extent...But it's not taxes again because Chicago also pays the most taxes of anyplace in the state. But what works economically and politically in Chicago is vastly different from what will work in Peoria or Moline.

What I see here in QC is the state of Illinois does more "top down" development projects than Iowa. For example, they are building a big new Western Illinois University campus in Moline. This is great for the area because QC is one of the largest metros without a public D1 campus (we have some small private colleges). Illinois is also building an Amtrak extension to QC which will connect with a line to Chicago. These things are good for the area and especially with the campus you could argue it is sorely needed and an investment in the future. I'm just not sure they can afford these things at the moment. Also, which politician's district gets to land these big public projects is probably an interesting process.

Maybe you can answer this question. Why are they building a new Western Campus in the QC when they have a nice campus in Macomb? I went to WIU and it was great. No not a big school, certainly not going to land me any big executive positions but I really enjoyed it and learned a lot. I liked the small town setting, but it seems like since I left there is a push to build up the QC. It seems dumb.

I don't know what Illinois problem is. I think other states have the same trouble and it's just gross mismanagement of the whole system. My county is getting killed right now and I'm wondering if I should get out while the gettings good. There are no good jobs here. The school districts are all broke as hell. Some local districts just laid off a dozen or so workers each. They are cutting Ag and arts programs. etc. Meanwhile the administration people are making stupid money btw. Our roads suck and are getting worse, etc. Where does it end and how does it get better?

Anyway, Spring is here I guess. I mean it's 45 and rained it's ass off all day, but it's better then 25 and snow.

[33anda3rd]

Wrigley Field is horrible early in the year. I remember flying up for a game, getting off the plane, thinking a hoodie would be sufficient and was miserably mistaken. Needed a [expletive] winter coat. Iirc, the game was in May. Sat behind homeplate and was so cold I couldn't even drink beer.

I almost never go to a game there before June. I've been in May when it's 60-something and if you're out in the sun it's fine. But then under the 2nd level on the first-base side, in the shade, with the wind blowing in off the still-cold lake, it's brutal. It feels like 30 on a 60 degree day.

[jim]

I loved Wrigley the first few times I went and when I was going once ever 3-4 years. A few years ago we had an apartment about 3 blocks from the park, and I went to a ton of games. Honeymoon over. I just don't like the place anymore. And I do agree about not going before June, but I am contemplating the May 1 game.

[AWvsCBsteeeerike3]

Wrigley Field is horrible early in the year. I remember flying up for a game, getting off the plane, thinking a hoodie would be sufficient and was miserably mistaken. Needed a [expletive] winter coat. Iirc, the game was in May. Sat behind homeplate and was so cold I couldn't even drink beer.

I almost never go to a game there before June. I've been in May when it's 60-something and if you're out in the sun it's fine. But then under the 2nd level on the first-base side, in the shade, with the wind blowing in off the still-cold lake, it's brutal. It feels like 30 on a 60 degree day.

I had never really looked into it, but yes this makes very much sense. I can't believe how stinkin cold it was on a seemingly nice day. And, on the same note, if you're gonna go to Wrigley, just go to the rooftops. Cubs don't get much benefit out of it and you can drink for free and sit in the sun.

[jim]

The lake sucks in the spring, and Wrigley is close enough to where it gets the brunt of any lake effect breeze. Even if the forecast is ok - that's O'Hare which can be 20 degrees different in the spring. This I think is what fools out of towners, some of them actually probably do look at the Chicago forecast when deciding what to wear but aren't factoring that in.

I'm still debating that early Cards series, the oldest wants to go but I'm going to see if I can talk him out of that one and shoot for the July series.

[jim]

We have had our first two spring days, Friday was nice and yesterday was glorious. Today isn't bad, mid 60's with some rain, but my son is heading downtown to meet some people and I heard my wife telling him to wear a coat. 15 degrees colder down there today, so with the wet weather you go from reasonable spring like weather to just cold and damp weather in the matter of 30 minutes.

Snow tomorrow.

[Jocephus]

it was 80s yesterday, will get into 70s today, then rain, then snow, then rain then sun. and with minimum 15mph wind. at least according to weather.com