Wrigley Field (Cubs)
The Origins: Early 20th Century
1915: The first recorded hot dog sales at Wrigley Field (then Weeghman Park) were by Abe “Fluky” Drexler, a vendor who helped popularize the snack among fans.
These early dogs were simple: beef franks on plain buns, sold from carts or trays — no fancy toppings, just the thrill of baseball and a warm bite.
Vienna Beef Era Begins
1983: Wrigley Field officially partnered with Vienna Beef, a Chicago institution since 1893, to supply its hot dogs. Vienna Beef franks are made from 100% beef, stuffed in natural casings for that signature snap, and seasoned with a proprietary spice blend.
The Chicago-Style Hot Dog Takes Over
Served on a poppy seed bun, topped with: Yellow mustard, Bright green relish, Chopped onions, Tomato slices, A dill pickle spear, Sport peppers, and a dash of Celery salt. No ketchup allowed — a cardinal rule in Chicago hot dog culture, unless you're 10 years old or younger..
Variations Over Time.
Wrigley Field expanded its menu to include: Chili cheese dogs, Foot-long hot dogs, Maxwell Street Polish sausages, Veggie and vegan dogs, reflecting changing dietary preferences.
Sustainability & Community.
Vienna Beef and Wrigley Field have supported local farmers and charities, including hot dog eating contests that raise money for food banks. The stadium also introduced eco-friendly packaging and composting programs to reduce waste.
The Price Evolution.
The price of a Hot Dog in 1970 was 35¢, which would be $2.81 today, adjusted for inflation. However, Wrigley Field is charging $8.99 in 2025, making it one of the priciest in the major leagues.
To go from $0.35 to $6.67, you're looking at a price increase of 1,806% in 55 years.
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Comiskey Park (White Sox) Rate Field
Early Comiskey Park (1910–1990)
In the early decades, hot dogs were supplied by local Chicago meat purveyors, often unnamed or contracted seasonally.
Vendors sold basic beef franks, likely sourced from regional producers like Best’s Kosher or David Berg, both prominent in mid-century Chicago.
Vienna Beef’s Reign
By the 1990s, with the opening of New Comiskey Park (now Guaranteed Rate Field), Vienna Beef became the dominant brand.
Comiskey Park (White Sox) Rate Field
Early Comiskey Park (1910–1990)
In the early decades, hot dogs were supplied by local Chicago meat purveyors, often unnamed or contracted seasonally.
Vendors sold basic beef franks, likely sourced from regional producers like Best’s Kosher or David Berg, both prominent in mid-century Chicago.
Vienna Beef’s Reign
By the 1990s, with the opening of New Comiskey Park (now Guaranteed Rate Field), Vienna Beef became the dominant brand.
Comiskey Park (White Sox) Rate Field
Early Comiskey Park (1910–1990)
In the early decades, hot dogs were supplied by local Chicago meat purveyors, often unnamed or contracted seasonally.
Vendors sold basic beef franks, likely sourced from regional producers like Best’s Kosher or David Berg, both prominent in mid-century Chicago.
Vienna Beef’s Reign
By the 1990s, with the opening of New Comiskey Park (now Guaranteed Rate Field), Vienna Beef became the dominant brand.
Vienna Beef, founded in 1893, is synonymous with the Chicago-style dog — natural casing, seasoned beef, and that signature snap.
The White Sox embraced Vienna’s branding, offering classic Chicago Dogs with all the fixings: mustard, relish, onions, tomato, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt.
Brand Shifts & Variety
While Vienna Beef remained a staple, Johnsonville sausages entered the mix in the 2000s, especially for brats and specialty sausages.
Concession stands began offering: The Heater (jalapeño cheddar sausage), The Slurve (cheddar beer brat), and other creations using Johnsonville products.
Local vendors like Bobak’s Sausage and Maxwell Street Polish also made appearances, especially during themed food nights or regional promotions.
Modern Offerings
As of 2024, Vienna Beef still anchors the hot dog lineup, but fans can also find: Polish sausages, Chorizo dogs, Vegan, and vegetarian options.
The Sox Park menu reflects South Side culinary pride, blending tradition with innovation.
Sox Park Hot Dog Prices Over the Years
Here’s a timeline of approximate prices for a standard hot dog at Comiskey Park / Guaranteed Rate Field:
Year Price Notes
1910s–1950s - - - $0.05–$0.10 Basic all-beef franks from local vendors
1960s–1970s - - - $0.25–$0.50 Inflation and stadium upgrades
1991 - - - - - - - - - - $1.75 New Comiskey Park opens
2000 - - - - - - - - - - $2.75 Specialty toppings introduced
2010 - - - - - - - - - - $4.50 Gourmet options and combo deals
2020 - - - - - - - - - - -$5.25 Reflects inflation and ingredient upgrades
2024 - - - - - - - - - - $5.49 Current price for a Chicago hot dog
In 2025, the average price of a standard hot dog at Guaranteed Rate Field (Sox Park) is $5.49, synonymous with the Chicago-style dog — natural casing, seasoned beef, and that signature snap.
The White Sox embraced Vienna’s branding, offering classic Chicago Dogs with all the fixings: mustard, relish, onions, tomato, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt.