Nearly 1,000 new U.S. citizens take the oath of office at a naturalization ceremony at Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs

CHICAGO (WLS) — The crowd at Wrigley Field on Thursday came to witness a historic moment that had nothing to do with sports.

Nearly 1,000 new American citizens took the Oath of Allegiance in those friendly confines.

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“Today you honor us by helping us continue our tradition of hosting these naturalization ceremonies at the ballpark,” Chicago Cubs CEO Tom Ricketts told the crowd.

The new Americans come from 97 countries, each with high hopes for the next chapter of their lives.

“It’s been phenomenal,” said new citizen Maurice Ekoh. “It’s been amazing. It’s a dream, you know what I’m saying? It’s the American dream.”

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“Many countries don’t have this freedom, but here in the United States we always have the right to have freedom, because we are free citizens,” said new citizen Cesar Ilaya.

Among the new citizens was the aunt of District 3 Congresswoman Delia Ramirez.

“It’s a personal thing. It’s a special day and also a reminder that we need to work for comprehensive immigration reform so that people like my uncle, my aunt’s husband, can finally become American citizens,” Ramirez said.

Chief Judge Virginia Kendall of the U.S. District Court for Northern Illinois served as mistress of ceremonies.

“It was a blessing to see all these new faces, new people with all their backgrounds and cultures who will become part of our country,” Judge Kendall said.

Thursday’s event was the fourth naturalization ceremony held at Wrigley since they began during the COVID pandemic.

“I’m in my final year of nursing school and I know I’ll get better jobs and a better lifestyle here,” said new citizen Favour Olikagu.

The latest ceremony had the largest number of participants yet.

“It was a marathon,” said Gheorghe Miltrofan, a new citizen. “I feel happy to be here. So many good emotions… so many happy people around.”

Some of the new citizens ABC7 spoke to said Thursday was their first time at the stadium, but they said it won’t be their last.