Wrigley Renovation Thread

[J.R.]

My only quibble is with the number of backwards hats in the renderings.

There are also too many pairs of cargo shorts.

 

More reading:

 

http://espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/story/_/id/8859965/chicago-cubs-owner-wants-restrictions-eased-improve-wrigley-field

http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/14539/cubs-announce-proposed-wrigley-field-renovations

 

New batting cages and clubhouse: This would be the first project undertaken by the team to improve conditions for the players. An underground batting cage would be configured with access to the new clubhouse and dugout.

 

Expanded concourses in the upper and lower bowls: The renovation would include removing the 98-year-old wooden roof and expanding the area to accommodate new restaurants and clubs for fans.

 

Telecommunications and upgrades: The plan is to rewire the ballpark and upgrade the entire plumbing system. New wiring will give the Cubs the technical support they need to use all the social media upgrades for fans.

 

Restoration of the exterior: The team hired a top architect to bring the brick exterior of the park back to its form from 1935. Also, six elevators will be installed in strategic areas of the structure. Two miles of handrails and a quarter mile of concession stands will also be a part of the new construction.

 

Renovated suites and luxury boxes: The team will expand and enhance the pre-existing 64 suites in the area between the lower boxes and the upper deck without adding any new suites.

 

LED board: Adding another board in left field similar to the one installed in right field is a consideration. This may also be a precursor to adding a modified digital scoreboard in the future. The scoreboard in center field will not be altered except to have the LED board directly under the scoreboard removed. That LED board was installed in 1983.

 

Upper deck concession and entertainment: A new area behind the upper deck will be created with extra space for entertainment and concessions after the new steel room is in place. Concession stands will increase by 100 percent. A new fan deck will be placed behind the left field bleachers with a proposed lounge and restaurant attached.

[javy knows my name]

I love absolutely everything about this.

 

What, specifically, are they angling for when they want the city to lift their restrictions? Jumbotron? Fewer day games? Just trying to think what they believe would be a financial consolation for not getting to use amusement tax funds.

[J.R.]

Sounds like all of the above.

 

I think they have been very astute with this latest move - these plans represent their wildest dreams, which aren't all that wild from a landmark perspective given that they won't drastically change the character of the park, and the demand for more night games will play leagues better in the Lakeview of 2013 versus the Lakeview of 1988.

 

The offer to pay their own way also plays very well politically.

[imb]

im blown

 

seriously, this is all excellent

[J.R.]

More ...

 

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/southfork76/17_PROPOSED_RESTORED_FACADE_gallery_post_zps62dc0f94.jpg

 

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/southfork76/20_PROPOSED_FAN_CROSS_SECTION_gallery_post_zps4169b5e4.jpg

 

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/southfork76/13_PROPOSED_CLUB_PATIO_LOUNGE_SEATS_gallery_post_zpsf19bb691.jpg

 

This represents a complete reconfiguration of the concessions, press facilities and seating behind home plate in the upper deck. Sections 419-422 would become premium club seating and the concessions below press level would be closed in favor of a club lounge.

 

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/southfork76/9_PROPOSED_CENTER_FIELD_gallery_post_zps15d2c277.jpg

 

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/southfork76/10_PROPOSED_CENTER_FIELD_CLOSEUP_gallery_post_zpsd2fb0688.jpg

 

I really like the changes to the CF bleachers. The removal of the LED board would really open things up, but I do question the apparent loss of many good seats along the current front rows in favor of static ad boards.

[pitchcs]

One thing I don't like is down the LF line where they are extending the bleachers over non-bleacher seats. So are the people standing up in the OF going to just be accidentally spilling beer on the heads of other fans?

[Irrelevant Dude]

This all looks great, but I still really want a Jumbotron in Left Field.

[MWV]

This all looks very exciting.

 

This all looks great, but I still really want a Jumbotron in Left Field.

Not singling you out, but this is something I hear a lot and I don't understand. I'm not a "purist" by any means, but I really can't see the appeal of a jumbotron in an MLB venue. MLB forbids the replay of close/controversial calls, so what is the allure? Enormous head shots of the player at bat? Encouragement to "Make noise"? Ad revenue is about the only positive I can imagine, and while it is a good thing, it isn't something that excites me as a fan.

[Irrelevant Dude]

This all looks very exciting.

 

This all looks great, but I still really want a Jumbotron in Left Field.

Not singling you out, but this is something I hear a lot and I don't understand. I'm not a "purist" by any means, but I really can't see the appeal of a jumbotron in an MLB venue. MLB forbids the replay of close/controversial calls, so what is the allure? Enormous head shots of the player at bat? Encouragement to "Make noise"? Ad revenue is about the only positive I can imagine.

Ad revenue is one part of it, but there are also many non-controversial replays that I would be interested in seeing throughout the game.

[BeerHere]

I love everything about those photos. If a jumbotron, more signage, higher ticket prices and more seats help bring a championship then I'm all for it.

[Magnetic Curses]

the middle bleacher section reminds me of the rockpile in denver. i used to be able to watch a game for 4 bucks sitting in those seats. wonder if it will be similarly priced, or at least cheap compared to everywhere else.

[WrigleyField 22]

the middle bleacher section reminds me of the rockpile in denver. i used to be able to watch a game for 4 bucks sitting in those seats. wonder if it will be similarly priced, or at least cheap compared to everywhere else.

I doubt it. I'm sure it will be at least bleacher cost if not more.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[OleMissCub]

the middle bleacher section reminds me of the rockpile in denver. i used to be able to watch a game for 4 bucks sitting in those seats. wonder if it will be similarly priced, or at least cheap compared to everywhere else.

 

Yes indeed, when I was living in Denver I did the same. Probably went to 15 games with rockpile tickets.

[otis89]

My favorite thing about those pictures is the Cubs beating the snot out of the Cardinals. \:D/

[Guest]

My favorite thing about those pictures is the Cubs beating the snot out of the Cardinals. \:D/

They have one hit and two runs. I'm betting error on a Garza throw to first.

[Banedon]

I'm hoping the latter happens and the restrictions come off... especially if that means more night games (and weekend night games).

I agree to a certain extent - it is ridiculous that the Cubs cannot schedule a Friday night game to allow some rest after flying in from the road on a Friday morning. However, complete dismantling of the night games ordinance would inevitably result in day games becoming strictly a Sunday and getaway day phenomenon - TV money would see to that - and I think that would be a shame.

 

Previous discussions were limited to merely loosening the restrictions.

 

There's no reason for the Cubs to play more day games than other MLB teams, imo. They'll still play plenty of day baseball on the weekends. Day baseball during the week means little to me. In fact, I rather prefer night baseball during the week.

[J.R.]

I'm hoping the latter happens and the restrictions come off... especially if that means more night games (and weekend night games).

I agree to a certain extent - it is ridiculous that the Cubs cannot schedule a Friday night game to allow some rest after flying in from the road on a Friday morning. However, complete dismantling of the night games ordinance would inevitably result in day games becoming strictly a Sunday and getaway day phenomenon - TV money would see to that - and I think that would be a shame.

 

Previous discussions were limited to merely loosening the restrictions.

 

There's no reason for the Cubs to play more day games than other MLB teams, imo. They'll still play plenty of day baseball on the weekends. Day baseball during the week means little to me. In fact, I rather prefer night baseball during the week.

I have a couple of reasons - day games are better for families, and more kids are exposed to the game both in person and on television when the games are played during their waking hours.

 

Day baseball during the week is the reason I became a fan in the first place, and I'd wager it is the same for many here who have watched since youth. Not because of old-timey romanticism, but simply because I could see the games.

 

I'll add that frigid early spring Wrigley is less so in the daytime.

[Banedon]

I'm hoping the latter happens and the restrictions come off... especially if that means more night games (and weekend night games).

I agree to a certain extent - it is ridiculous that the Cubs cannot schedule a Friday night game to allow some rest after flying in from the road on a Friday morning. However, complete dismantling of the night games ordinance would inevitably result in day games becoming strictly a Sunday and getaway day phenomenon - TV money would see to that - and I think that would be a shame.

 

Previous discussions were limited to merely loosening the restrictions.

 

There's no reason for the Cubs to play more day games than other MLB teams, imo. They'll still play plenty of day baseball on the weekends. Day baseball during the week means little to me. In fact, I rather prefer night baseball during the week.

I have a couple of reasons - day games are better for families, and more kids are exposed to the game both in person and on television when the games are played during their waking hours.

 

Day baseball during the week is the reason I became a fan in the first place, and I'd wager it is the same for many here who have watched since youth. Not because of old-timey romanticism, but simply because I could see the games.

 

I'll add that frigid early spring Wrigley is less so in the daytime.

 

Again, there's still day baseball on during the weekends for kids to get exposed to it. I dunno about you, but my son is in daycare during the week when school is out, so he's not more exposed to baseball during the day. Also, my son gets plenty of exposure to prime time sports, even if he doesn't get to see the end of games very often.

 

I saw plenty of day baseball as a kid, but mostly because I had a stay at home parent, so I was at home during the summer to watch. I don't think that's the case for nearly the same number of kids anymore.

 

I just don't think the Cubs are "special" in regards to day games. Every other team in the league gets by with many more night games. The Cubs should be the same.

[Thed Hoyerstein]

More ...

 

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/southfork76/17_PROPOSED_RESTORED_FACADE_gallery_post_zps62dc0f94.jpg

 

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/southfork76/20_PROPOSED_FAN_CROSS_SECTION_gallery_post_zps4169b5e4.jpg

 

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/southfork76/13_PROPOSED_CLUB_PATIO_LOUNGE_SEATS_gallery_post_zpsf19bb691.jpg

 

This represents a complete reconfiguration of the concessions, press facilities and seating behind home plate in the upper deck. Sections 419-422 would become premium club seating and the concessions below press level would be closed in favor of a club lounge.

 

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/southfork76/9_PROPOSED_CENTER_FIELD_gallery_post_zps15d2c277.jpg

 

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/southfork76/10_PROPOSED_CENTER_FIELD_CLOSEUP_gallery_post_zpsd2fb0688.jpg

 

I really like the changes to the CF bleachers. The removal of the LED board would really open things up, but I do question the apparent loss of many good seats along the current front rows in favor of static ad boards.

 

 

I like how the cubs are up 8-2 against {Redacted} with Big Z apparently back in a cubs uniform.

[J.R.]

Again, there's still day baseball on during the weekends for kids to get exposed to it. I dunno about you, but my son is in daycare during the week when school is out, so he's not more exposed to baseball during the day. Also, my son gets plenty of exposure to prime time sports, even if he doesn't get to see the end of games very often.

 

I saw plenty of day baseball as a kid, but mostly because I had a stay at home parent, so I was at home during the summer to watch. I don't think that's the case for nearly the same number of kids anymore.

 

I just don't think the Cubs are "special" in regards to day games. Every other team in the league gets by with many more night games. The Cubs should be the same.

I am obviously biased by my own experiences. In addition, I have long felt that MLB is crippling itself by playing most all of its games of consequence (and a most of its games of no consequence) at hours that young fans (and plenty of early risers) will never see conclude.

 

However, there is no bias in the observation that the Wrigley crowd is more of a family crowd in the daytime.

 

I would argue that the Cubs are "special" with regard to day baseball if for no other reason than that they have been very successful at the gate under these restrictions. It is built into the fandom DNA - I cannot fathom other teams being nearly as well received with such a heavy daytime start mix.

[Banedon]

Again, there's still day baseball on during the weekends for kids to get exposed to it. I dunno about you, but my son is in daycare during the week when school is out, so he's not more exposed to baseball during the day. Also, my son gets plenty of exposure to prime time sports, even if he doesn't get to see the end of games very often.

 

I saw plenty of day baseball as a kid, but mostly because I had a stay at home parent, so I was at home during the summer to watch. I don't think that's the case for nearly the same number of kids anymore.

 

I just don't think the Cubs are "special" in regards to day games. Every other team in the league gets by with many more night games. The Cubs should be the same.

I am obviously biased by my own experiences. In addition, I have long felt that MLB is crippling itself by playing most all of its games of consequence (and a most of its games of no consequence) at hours that young fans (and plenty of early risers) will never see conclude.

 

However, there is no bias in the observation that the Wrigley crowd is more of a family crowd in the daytime.

 

I would argue that the Cubs are "special" with regard to day baseball if for no other reason than that they have been very successful at the gate under these restrictions. It is built into the fandom DNA - I cannot fathom other teams being nearly as well received with such a heavy daytime start mix.

 

The Cubs may have been successful at the gate, but certainly not in the standings. There's long been theories that playing more day games is detrimental to the Cubs on field performance. Yes, the fans are used to day games, but that doesn't mean that they wouldn't watch just as much in the evenings.

 

I'd argue the Cubs should be more successful at the gate in the evenings, when you have more people off work. There'll still be plenty of day games on getaway days and weekends.

 

I don't know how MLB is crippling itself by playing prime time games though. Most NBA and NHL games are played at night. Hell, the Blackhawks didn't start until 9pm last night. The Bulls don't start till 8:30pm tonight.

[J.R.]

I agree that certain aspects of the ordinance are a competitive hindrance and need to be done away with, such as the Friday ban.

 

It's been a while since I've actively traded tickets, but I recall that tickets for Friday and Saturday afternoon games were always an easier sale than the Sunday night starts. Regardless of general demand from day-to-day, there is no denying that more kids are exposed to the ballpark through day games. These are the people who will buy tickets and beers in the future.

 

NBA or NHL games that start at 8 p.m. do not conclude close to or past Midnight. The finish is the killer, not the start.

[Guest]

Looks like the mayor's office is on board with the new funding plan, but the rooftop owners might get in the way.

 

I've learned that the proposal has at least preliminary backing from Mayor Rahm Emanuel and was produced after extensive negotiations between Cubs officials and top aides to the mayor. That could be critical.

But the plan still faces one huge obstacle: owners of the rooftop clubs adjoining Wrigley and their staunch ally, Ald. Tom Tunney, 44th. By all indications, both of them remain opposed to any deal that involves increased signage inside the ballpark that could block views from rooftops to the east and north. But without revenues from more signage, the numbers in the Ricketts deal won't add up.

Ergo, if Mr. Emanuel wants a big economic and public relations success that a rebuilt Wrigley and a nearby hotel would be, Mr. Emanuel may have to more than twist Mr. Tunney's arm. Whether he will — or whether some other plan can be concocted — will be this spring's real drama at the ol' ballpark.

 

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20130121/BLOGS02/130129990/ricketts-moves-rahm-on-wrigley-but-not-rooftops#ixzz2Ie2t5m5n

[Cubswin11]

Looks like the mayor's office is on board with the new funding plan, but the rooftop owners might get in the way.

 

I've learned that the proposal has at least preliminary backing from Mayor Rahm Emanuel and was produced after extensive negotiations between Cubs officials and top aides to the mayor. That could be critical.

But the plan still faces one huge obstacle: owners of the rooftop clubs adjoining Wrigley and their staunch ally, Ald. Tom Tunney, 44th. By all indications, both of them remain opposed to any deal that involves increased signage inside the ballpark that could block views from rooftops to the east and north. But without revenues from more signage, the numbers in the Ricketts deal won't add up.

Ergo, if Mr. Emanuel wants a big economic and public relations success that a rebuilt Wrigley and a nearby hotel would be, Mr. Emanuel may have to more than twist Mr. Tunney's arm. Whether he will — or whether some other plan can be concocted — will be this spring's real drama at the ol' ballpark.

 

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20130121/BLOGS02/130129990/ricketts-moves-rahm-on-wrigley-but-not-rooftops#ixzz2Ie2t5m5n

What a bunch of [expletive] if this holds things up. [expletive] the roof top owners.

[Guest]

Just noticed this at the end...

 

Update, 12:45 p.m. — Mr Emanuel definitely is tilting in favor of the plan.

"The mayor's office is supportive of ideas for the Cubs to maximize their revenue from Wrigley Field," says a very good source with knowledge of where the mayor is on this. The mayor's office has made it clear to the rooftop owners that it is in their interest to work with the Cubs to achieve that goal."

Very interesting.