Fans arriving at Wrigley Field on Friday were met with an unexpected wait as inclement weather delayed the start of the highly anticipated game between the Chicago Cubs and the San Francisco Giants.
At approximately 2 pm ET/1 pm CT, a storm system is expected to pass over the Chicagoland region, requiring the tarp to be placed on the field and then removed.
The San Francisco Giants, who are visiting Wrigley Field for the first time this season, will play the first game of a three-game series against the Cubs.
Also read: Jonathon Cooper's girlfriend: What we know about Jade after domestic violence incident
Latest updates on the start time
Previous weather delays at Wrigley Field this season have lasted anywhere from several minutes to more than an hour before games resumed or began. During a Cubs-Reds rain delay earlier this year, officials initially delayed the start before announcing a revised first-pitch time after conditions improved.
As of the latest update on the Cubs vs Giants game, officials have not announced a postponement, and it is set to begin at 3:20 pm ET/2:20 pm CT.
{{/usCountry}}As of the latest update on the Cubs vs Giants game, officials have not announced a postponement, and it is set to begin at 3:20 pm ET/2:20 pm CT.
{{/usCountry}}Fans attending the game were encouraged to monitor official Cubs channels and MLB updates for the latest information regarding the revised start time and any further weather developments.
Also read: Mike Vrabel announces ‘devastating’ Patriots news amid Dianna Russini scandal: 'Awful...'
What caused the delay?
Weather has long been a factor at Wrigley Field, one of Major League Baseball's most iconic open-air stadiums. The Cubs are frequently subject to Chicago's rapidly changing weather patterns, in contrast to teams that play at venues with retractable roofs.
Grounds crews rolled out the tarp to protect the playing surface.
There should be an opportunity to at least start Friday's game shortly after the scheduled start time, based on the current radar. However, additional inclement weather is predicted for Chicago this evening, which might result in another postponement if the game doesn't proceed swiftly enough.