DraftKings Sportsbook set to open next week, but without betting

The DraftKings Sportsbook under construction at Wrigley Field will open to the public next Tuesday, June 27th, albeit without sports betting as the team awaits approval from the Illinois Gaming Board. Led by Marquee Development, DraftKings, and Levy, the two-story structure is located at the corner of W. Addison St and N. Sheffield Ave, adjacent to the ballpark but not directly linked.

With sports betting still awaiting approval, the team is expecting to draw customers with the massive 2,000 square foot video board that hovers above the bar and can show up to 25 sports games at once. With a two-story space, tables on the ground floor are available for walk-ins or reservations with seating options including bar seating, high-top tables, or booths. The upper floor mezzanine will hold more theater-style seating overlooking the bar and video board while also including rentable group spaces that include designated TVs that can be programmed with the groups preferred sports games. 

Talking with Shawn Fawell, Project Manager for Gensler, the sportsbook has been designed so that there is truly no bad seat in the house. “Every detail was highly considered with a focus on an incredible viewing experience, from the positioning of the screens to the comfortable seating options sports fans need to settle in for a game,” Fawell said.

With Wrigley Field’s standing as a National and Chicago landmark, the architecture was highly coordinated to meet the historic guidelines of the Commission on Chicago Landmarks, National Park Service, and State Historic Preservation Office. The result is a contemporary structure that references the historic ballpark with its green steel elements while incorporating a substantial amount of glass to create a transparent, airy feel. 

With the venue opening to customers next week, food and beverage service will include a menu of American bar fare with elevated and unique twists. Crafted by Levy, the Cubs’ hospitality partner, signature dishes will include the House Smoked Pastrami Sandwich, the Colossal Hot Dog, and a Prime Rib Sandwich. The bar service will include 10 signature selections on tap, with further wine and spirits offerings. All guests must be 21 years of age or older to enter the Sportsbook.

In terms of sports betting at the venue, a DraftKings representative couldn't provide specifics on the timing of when approvals are expected, but they must go before the Illinois Gaming Board to receive the necessary permissions before sports betting could begin.