The Friendly Confines: The Global Influence of the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field
REGISTRATION
This event is for members of our Young Professionals network. For further information, please reach out to msefami@globalaffairs.org.
About This Event
Baseball may be America's pastime, but for over a century, the Chicago Cubs have leveraged the sport to project Chicago into the global spotlight. As the Cubs continue to expand their international fanbase, the team offers something distinct: Wrigley Field, one of the world’s most iconic and recognizable venues and a pilgrimage site for fans worldwide. The team's dramatic 2016 World Series victory, ending the longest championship drought in professional sports (108 years), became an international story of perseverance that resonated far beyond sports. Cubs games broadcast globally give millions a window into Chicago, making the ballpark and its surrounding neighborhood ambassadors for the city's character and charm.
As the 2026 MLB season begins and the Cubs celebrate their 150th anniversary, join us for a conversation about how the team generates soft power for Chicago. How does Wrigley Field's iconic status shape global perceptions of our city? What role do sports franchises play in cultural diplomacy and international visibility? And as cities compete for global attention, how can Chicago leverage its distinctive baseball heritage to strengthen connections with international audiences.
