Wrigley Field is going to get a new look effective June 27 with the launch of the DraftKings Sportsbook retail location at the stadium. There is a tiny wrinkle though. At opening, the only betting taking place at the venue will be on people’s phones.
DraftKings will need approval of the Illinois Gaming Board before they can start accepting wagers at the counter but they are ready to deploy that functionality.
While adjacent to Wrigley Field, the facility will be outside the stadium and open to the public at the corner of Addison and Sheffield. The facility is over 17,000 square feet and features 2,000 square feet of video screens.
Though hours will be somewhat flexible, the venue will be open seven days a week and feature elevated bar food inspired by favorite ballpark fare.
The pseudo-sportsbook at Wrigley Field is not the only venue seeking to gain IGB approval and a license to operate a retail sportsbook. A similar betting lounge bearing the FanDuel name opened at the United Center that is open when the venue is hosting events.
On the official IGB site, the United Center location is listed as an applicant while the Wrigley Field site is not.
Thanks to a 2021 ordinance, there is an opportunity for these venues at sports facilities. In addition to Wrigley Field and United Center, there is potential for retail sportsbooks at Soldier Field, Guaranteed Rate Field, and Wintrust Arena.
