Chicago Cubs: How To Buy 2017 Playoff Tickets

CHICAGO, IL — Remember the old days when it was verboten for any true Cubs fan to talk about the playoffs before they actually clinched a spot for fear of jinxing the team's entry into the postseason? But now that the North Siders have shed their "lovable losers" image in favor of "continual competitors" status, fans can start looking ahead to October baseball in the middle September. And they can start thinking about how to secure Wrigley Field playoff tickets, even if Chicago only has a slim — but very sustainable — lead in the division.

The Cubs announced details Wednesday on how buy single-game home tickets for a potential playoff run. From now until noon Tuesday, Sept. 19, fans can register for a random drawing to get the chance to buy tickets to the potential Wild Card game and the National League Division Series. Would-be ticket buyers need to go to the team's posteason website to register for the drawing.

The process is similar to last year, but it does include a new wrinkle: Fans need to fill out an online form and pay a $50 one-time, refundable deposit that can go toward the price of the ticket. The deposit has been added to verify the authenticity of entries, as well as the genuine interest in attending playoff games, the team said. (Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news for Lake View and Chicago — or other neighborhoods. And iPhone users: Check out Patch's new app.)

"We have implemented a new refundable deposit this year as a safeguard to ensure those who register are Cubs fans wishing to attend these sought-after games," Colin Faulkner, Cubs senior vice president for sales and marketing, said in a statement Wednesday. "Given the tremendous demand, we encourage fans to register today and purchase quickly if their name is selected."

Drawing winners will be notified by email, and they will have a one-time chance to buy a maximum of four tickets for multiple available games. The amount of tickets winners can purchase also will depend on availability and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

Registered fans who don't win ticket-buying chances for the Wild Card and NLDS rounds will still be eligible for future rounds if the Cubs advance. Fans can only buy tickets once during the postseason, and selection in the drawing doesn't guarantee the chance to purchase tickets to a postseason game. The on-sale date for single-game postseason tickets and their prices will be announced following the Sept. 19 registration deadline.

Go to the Chicago Cubs website or call 800-843-2827 for more ticket information.

The Chicago Cubs celebrate their win against the Cleveland Indians in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series. (photo by Arturo Pardavila III | Wikimedia Commons)

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