Here’s how you can win the same World Series ring Cubs players received

Friday, the Cubs announced they would be holding a raffle, and one lucky fan will win a Cubs 2016 World Series ring — exactly the same ring given to the players. The winner can have the ring customized with his or her last name.

The raffle began Friday and will run through September 4 at 10 a.m. CT, with the winner announced September 5. The winner will have until September 13 to claim the prize, if it’s not claimed by then, another winner will be chosen.

There’s a small catch regarding buying these raffle chances. The Cubs say that due to state and local laws, the raffle tickets can only be sold within the city of Chicago. They cost $10 each, and will be available at kiosks in Wrigley Field (near the fan services windows in the bleachers and inside Gate D), at the Cubs Store on the Park at Wrigley outside the ballpark as well as the Cubs Store on Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago.

If you live within the Chicago city limits only, you can buy raffle chances online at this link.

Overall, eligibility to win this ring is limited to residents of the United States who are over 18 years old. Further, according to the official raffle rules:

All fans, regardless of their city and state of residence within the United States, may purchase Raffle tickets in person in Chicago, Illinois. Internet sales of Raffle tickets are open within Chicago, Illinois ONLY TO LEGAL RESIDENTS OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. This Raffle is VOID OUTSIDE CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, AND WHEREVER PROHIBITED BY LAW.

There will be up to 1 million raffle chances sold. Proceeds will benefit Cubs Charities, so it’s all for a good cause.

One thing I was a bit disappointed to learn when I checked at the kiosk in the bleachers Friday was that all tickets will be sold online only — the kiosk I saw in the bleachers had laptop computers where you can buy these raffle chances. Mike Bojanowski bought a ticket to the raffle the White Sox held in 2006, for a similar ring comparable to their 2005 World Series ring. He didn’t win, but saved his ticket, which is quite nice:

Wish the Cubs had issued tickets like this, at least if you bought them in person.

Even so, the Cubs ring would be an amazing memento of the 2016 championship season. Here’s how the Cubs describe the jewels in the ring:

The ring, which commemorates the team's historic 2016 season, is made from 14-karat white gold. Its top features the traditional Cubs bullseye logo masterfully crafted from 33 custom-cut genuine red rubies surrounded by 72 round white diamonds, all within a circular perimeter made up of 46 custom-cut, genuine blue sapphires. The bezel is surrounded by 108 round, white diamonds lifting the Cubs logo to victory and signifying the end of a historic 108-year championship draught. Overall, the ring contains 214 diamonds at 5.5 carats, 3 karats of genuine red rubies and 2.5 karats of genuine sapphires.

Pretty nice bling, I’d say. Good luck!