I’m not a Cubs fan (Yankees all day), but I’ve been to Wrigley Field numerous times when I lived in Chicago because of one of my best friends (shout to Dougie Stylz). Wrigley definitely needed renovations, but at the same time…that’s what made it so great.
The Chicago Cubs announced $300 million ambitious renovation plan that may anger some purists. Check out the details and concept photos after the jump & let us know what you think about it…
*PHOTOS ABOVE IN GALLERY*
According to Mark Townsend at Big League Stew:
The Chicago Cubs began the process of updating Wrigley Field by adding a rooftop patio and installing an LED scoreboard prior to the 2012 season. Now the team plans on going all the way with its renovations to the near 100-year-old stadium, announcing a $300 million project on Saturday during its yearly Cubs convention.
It’s an ambitious plan that probably won’t sit well with those who would like to see Wrigley Field’s classic look and atmosphere preserved, but the team is prepared to go forward with it beginning next winter. The Cubs also say the project could take up to five offseasons to complete.
The next order of business, though, will be sorting out the funding. Right now it sounds like the Cubs would be willing to pick up most of the expenses, but they’d also like the city to contribute by easing some of the restrictions on the ballpark. That includes but is not limited to approving more signage inside the park, which would open advertising opportunities and make it easier to maximize profits.
Chicago Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts said Saturday the team is willing to pay for much of its renovation plan if the city will ease some of the restrictions surrounding Wrigley Field.
“The fact is that when you look at all of the limitations that we have, whether that’s signage in the outfield, which we are not allowed to do, or what kind of stuff we do in the park or around the park, I think we’d just like a little more flexibility to have some options on that stuff,” Ricketts told the media after a question-and-answer session with fans at the Cubs Convention.
“We have an opportunity cost there that’s tremendous. Just give us some relief on some of these restrictions, and we’ll take care of (renovating) Wrigley Field.
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