Wrigley Renovation Thread

[Guest]

I'm surprised we haven't heard from the Budweiser building guy. He's the one who is really screwed.

 

I remember him being sort of crazy, too. Can't remember exactly what went on when he bought the building and got into it with Budweiser in 08 or so.

 

http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/sports/Wrigley-Rooftop-to-Advertise-United-Airlines-118849114.html

 

This indicates there was some sort of agreement between that owner and the Cubs. They had the Budweiser flap and then Horseshoe Casino, which was blocked by the Cubs. But that states the Cubs announced United was the new advertiser in 2011 as part of a larger Cubs/United partnership.

 

Interesting. Given the fact that they had some sort of partnership, I wonder if they are compensating the building owner in some way for rendering advertising on that roof useless.

 

Didn't it say 3-year agreement? That should be up after this season and before a jumbotron goes up.

 

Yeah...I just mean if the relationship is sort of amicable, I wonder if they greased the wheels somehow. It's odd that with all the bitching from the rooftops, we haven't heard one word from this guy.

[jersey cubs fan]

I want to throw Beth Murphy off a rooftop

 

http://d3j5vwomefv46c.cloudfront.net/photos/large/765769149.jpg?1367602755

[SouthSideRyan]

 

The normal places? I don't know if it's been disclosed how Ricketts plans to raise the current $500M but I'm sure it's not coming out his bank account. If they can raise $500M to renovate Wrigley (with hotel) why couldn't they raise $500M to build a new ballpark, which may allow them even more flexibility in revenue streams?

 

The current money is coming from the jumbotron, increased signage, concerts and more night games. That's the *entire point* of all these negotiations. The Cubs don't have the cash to just do the renovations. They need to pay for it along the way with new revenue streams, which wouldn't exist if they were building a new stadium.

 

 

This is a moot point (no way they move) and I don't know why I'm bothering but...

 

You do realize a new stadium would have all those things also??? Hell, it could have a 12,000 sq ft Jumbotron, even more signage and a lot more night games and concerts. Maybe even receipts from parking that they don't get now. Probably a bigger hotel too and nicer restaurants (I love Wrigley but the food is crap). Heck, sell the naming rights (Boeing Ballpark?). To question how they could raise money for a new ballpark is nonsensical.

 

Also, you cut out the part where I said they could possibly get some public financing but Rosemont has since said they'd be open to just that.

 

-More signage they'd get less money for.

-More night games they'd draw less people to

-More concerts that nobody would care about going to because they'll be at Boeing Ballpark

-More parking for less dollars per spot

-A bigger hotel and nicer restaurants that fewer people want to frequent

-Public Financing that would never come because Rosemont can't afford it.

[Guest]

 

The normal places? I don't know if it's been disclosed how Ricketts plans to raise the current $500M but I'm sure it's not coming out his bank account. If they can raise $500M to renovate Wrigley (with hotel) why couldn't they raise $500M to build a new ballpark, which may allow them even more flexibility in revenue streams?

 

The current money is coming from the jumbotron, increased signage, concerts and more night games. That's the *entire point* of all these negotiations. The Cubs don't have the cash to just do the renovations. They need to pay for it along the way with new revenue streams, which wouldn't exist if they were building a new stadium.

 

 

This is a moot point (no way they move) and I don't know why I'm bothering but...

 

You do realize a new stadium would have all those things also??? Hell, it could have a 12,000 sq ft Jumbotron, even more signage and a lot more night games and concerts. Maybe even receipts from parking that they don't get now. Probably a bigger hotel too and nicer restaurants (I love Wrigley but the food is crap). Heck, sell the naming rights (Boeing Ballpark?). To question how they could raise money for a new ballpark is nonsensical.

 

Also, you cut out the part where I said they could possibly get some public financing but Rosemont has since said they'd be open to just that.

 

-More signage they'd get less money for.

-More night games they'd draw less people to

-More concerts that nobody would care about going to because they'll be at Boeing Ballpark

-More parking for less dollars per spot

-A bigger hotel and nicer restaurants that fewer people want to frequent

-Public Financing that would never come because Rosemont can't afford it.

 

I've always understood where you're coming from but I think you severely underestimate the amount of fans who don't currently go to games who would start to with easy highway access from the suburbs and easy parking.

[Ryne Ween]

The reasons pointed out are also good ones. Please dont forget the most important thing: Ricketts owns Wrigley Field.

[jersey cubs fan]

I've always understood where you're coming from but I think you severely underestimate the amount of fans who don't currently go to games who would start to with easy highway access from the suburbs and easy parking.

 

A number that would be easily offset by the number that would not go because it's not in wrigley field.

 

There is not some magical numbers of Cubs fans dying to attend Cubs games if only they were located somewhere else.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I think the biggest change we would notice if the Cubs moved out of Wrigley would be the number of night games. Most teams schedule nearly all weekday games at night except the occasional afternoon get-away game. Not considering the effect of that on attendance revenue, but how much more television revenue could additional night games without any restrictions have on revenue.

 

Admittedly, as someone who has significant time off during the summer months, I love that the Cubs play day baseball and that probably was a large factor in my becoming a Cubs fan rather than a Braves fan when I was a child. But, revenue wise, being able to schedule as many night games as they desire could be a huge benefit.

 

How moving to Rosemont would affect attendance is also a big unknown. What I think would happen is that if the team were successful, there would hardly be a decrease at all, yet, if the team suffered lean years, the attendance would be much lower than it is in comparable seasons at Wrigley.

 

Now, admittedly, I'm simply speculating. It's clear the best case scenario is for the Cubs to stay in a renovated Wrigley without restrictions on scheduling or how they generate revenue through advertising. However, depending on the limitations they have to live with, there may be a point where in the long run moving is the better option compared to staying with limitations imposed. I wouldn't begin to know where that point is, but I'm sure the Cubs have a general idea.

[Soul]

The guy who did that Wrigley rendering was trying to show everyone how horrible it will look.

 

I think it looks decent. Well worth the extra money it will bring in.

[Guest]

The guy who did that Wrigley rendering was trying to show everyone how horrible it will look.

 

I think it looks decent. Well worth the extra money it will bring in.

 

I didn't get that idea at all from what was written.

 

It's just showing people what it would actually look like. I didn't see any anti-advertising spin. In fact, he mentions at the end how important the ads are likely to be to the whole thing.

[Soul]

The guy who did that Wrigley rendering was trying to show everyone how horrible it will look.

 

I think it looks decent. Well worth the extra money it will bring in.

 

I didn't get that idea at all from what was written.

 

It's just showing people what it would actually look like. I didn't see any anti-advertising spin. In fact, he mentions at the end how important the ads are likely to be to the whole thing.

 

Look at the image credit, and then look at the guy's post in the comments section.

[Guest]

The guy who did that Wrigley rendering was trying to show everyone how horrible it will look.

 

I think it looks decent. Well worth the extra money it will bring in.

 

I didn't get that idea at all from what was written.

 

It's just showing people what it would actually look like. I didn't see any anti-advertising spin. In fact, he mentions at the end how important the ads are likely to be to the whole thing.

 

Look at the image credit, and then look at the guy's post in the comments section.

 

Hah. Good catch. He did a bad job of intentionally making it look crappy, then.

[Soul]

Not only that, but he claims that he does advertising for a living, which makes him a [expletive] hypocrite.

[UMFan83]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-residents-fear-times-square-effect-of-signs-in-wrigley-plan-20130503,0,4009946.story

 

That's a lot of ads

[UMFan83]

The Chicago Cubs will be allowed to play as many as 46 night games starting next year, under a proposal introduced Wednesday by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Ald. Thomas Tunney, 44th, in the City Council.

 

The Cubs play 30 night games but had requested more as part of the team's plan renovate historic Wrigley Field. The team says night games generate more revenue and draw bigger television audiences than day games.

 

The mayor's proposal also allows for four concerts per year and six late-afternoon Friday games that the team had sought. If the ordinance wins approval at the next City Council meeting, the Cubs could move some Friday 1:20 p.m. games to 3:05 p.m. starts this season.

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-wrigley-night-games-20130508,0,1878827.story

 

wow, 46 night games and 35 day games next year. Will be interesting to see how they distribute those night games. I'm assuming this means more Saturday night games.

[SouthSideRyan]

The Chicago Cubs will be allowed to play as many as 46 night games starting next year, under a proposal introduced Wednesday by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Ald. Thomas Tunney, 44th, in the City Council.

 

The Cubs play 30 night games but had requested more as part of the team's plan renovate historic Wrigley Field. The team says night games generate more revenue and draw bigger television audiences than day games.

 

The mayor's proposal also allows for four concerts per year and six late-afternoon Friday games that the team had sought. If the ordinance wins approval at the next City Council meeting, the Cubs could move some Friday 1:20 p.m. games to 3:05 p.m. starts this season.

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-wrigley-night-games-20130508,0,1878827.story

 

wow, 46 night games and 35 day games next year. Will be interesting to see how they distribute those night games. I'm assuming this means more Saturday night games.

 

Season ticket bill rising...

[Sammy Sofa]

The Chicago Cubs will be allowed to play as many as 46 night games starting next year, under a proposal introduced Wednesday by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Ald. Thomas Tunney, 44th, in the City Council.

 

The Cubs play 30 night games but had requested more as part of the team's plan renovate historic Wrigley Field. The team says night games generate more revenue and draw bigger television audiences than day games.

 

The mayor's proposal also allows for four concerts per year and six late-afternoon Friday games that the team had sought. If the ordinance wins approval at the next City Council meeting, the Cubs could move some Friday 1:20 p.m. games to 3:05 p.m. starts this season.

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-wrigley-night-games-20130508,0,1878827.story

 

wow, 46 night games and 35 day games next year. Will be interesting to see how they distribute those night games. I'm assuming this means more Saturday night games.

 

Season ticket bill rising...

 

Yeah, I have a feeling I'll be downgrading my current ones for the time being.

[SouthSideRyan]

The Chicago Cubs will be allowed to play as many as 46 night games starting next year, under a proposal introduced Wednesday by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Ald. Thomas Tunney, 44th, in the City Council.

 

The Cubs play 30 night games but had requested more as part of the team's plan renovate historic Wrigley Field. The team says night games generate more revenue and draw bigger television audiences than day games.

 

The mayor's proposal also allows for four concerts per year and six late-afternoon Friday games that the team had sought. If the ordinance wins approval at the next City Council meeting, the Cubs could move some Friday 1:20 p.m. games to 3:05 p.m. starts this season.

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-wrigley-night-games-20130508,0,1878827.story

 

wow, 46 night games and 35 day games next year. Will be interesting to see how they distribute those night games. I'm assuming this means more Saturday night games.

 

Season ticket bill rising...

 

Yeah, I have a feeling I'll be downgrading my current ones for the time being.

 

I was the opposite figuring this would boost me up to 65-70 games/year, I might as well lock in all playoff games and get the full 81.

[Sammy Sofa]

I'm just taking too much of a bath this year; unless they look to be a lot better it'll be much easier on my bank account if I downgrade to a couple of cheap seats next season and then try to bump back up for 2015 (hopefully).

[Andy]

The Chicago Cubs will be allowed to play as many as 46 night games starting next year, under a proposal introduced Wednesday by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Ald. Thomas Tunney, 44th, in the City Council.

 

The Cubs play 30 night games but had requested more as part of the team's plan renovate historic Wrigley Field. The team says night games generate more revenue and draw bigger television audiences than day games.

 

The mayor's proposal also allows for four concerts per year and six late-afternoon Friday games that the team had sought. If the ordinance wins approval at the next City Council meeting, the Cubs could move some Friday 1:20 p.m. games to 3:05 p.m. starts this season.

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-wrigley-night-games-20130508,0,1878827.story

 

wow, 46 night games and 35 day games next year. Will be interesting to see how they distribute those night games. I'm assuming this means more Saturday night games.

 

Season ticket bill rising...

FWIW didn't Ricketts claim recently that they had no plans to raise ticket prices soon?

[Guest]

The Chicago Cubs will be allowed to play as many as 46 night games starting next year, under a proposal introduced Wednesday by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Ald. Thomas Tunney, 44th, in the City Council.

 

The Cubs play 30 night games but had requested more as part of the team's plan renovate historic Wrigley Field. The team says night games generate more revenue and draw bigger television audiences than day games.

 

The mayor's proposal also allows for four concerts per year and six late-afternoon Friday games that the team had sought. If the ordinance wins approval at the next City Council meeting, the Cubs could move some Friday 1:20 p.m. games to 3:05 p.m. starts this season.

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-wrigley-night-games-20130508,0,1878827.story

 

wow, 46 night games and 35 day games next year. Will be interesting to see how they distribute those night games. I'm assuming this means more Saturday night games.

 

Season ticket bill rising...

FWIW didn't Ricketts claim recently that they had no plans to raise ticket prices soon?

 

more night games, especially saturdays and friday late games, almost certainly means more higher tiered games.

 

plus it looks like SSR was just talking about how it would mean upgrading his plan

[Andy]

The Chicago Cubs will be allowed to play as many as 46 night games starting next year, under a proposal introduced Wednesday by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Ald. Thomas Tunney, 44th, in the City Council.

 

The Cubs play 30 night games but had requested more as part of the team's plan renovate historic Wrigley Field. The team says night games generate more revenue and draw bigger television audiences than day games.

 

The mayor's proposal also allows for four concerts per year and six late-afternoon Friday games that the team had sought. If the ordinance wins approval at the next City Council meeting, the Cubs could move some Friday 1:20 p.m. games to 3:05 p.m. starts this season.

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-wrigley-night-games-20130508,0,1878827.story

 

wow, 46 night games and 35 day games next year. Will be interesting to see how they distribute those night games. I'm assuming this means more Saturday night games.

 

Season ticket bill rising...

FWIW didn't Ricketts claim recently that they had no plans to raise ticket prices soon?

 

more night games, especially saturdays and friday late games, almost certainly means more higher tiered games.

So they get more money but they don't actually raise the prices of the tiered games. Sneaky.

[ConstableRabbit]

Sure, there's going to be an increase to the season ticket plan, but I'll actually be able to ATTEND more games (or sell them to people who can). This is a net positive for me.

[jersey cubs fan]

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/cubs/2013/05/08/chicago-cubs-want-to-renovate-99-year-old-wrigley-field/2145735/

 

A relative whose local paper apparently farms out articles from the USA Today pointed out this article yesterday. He's a Cardinals fan and noted how unfair it was for the Cubs to be bullying the neighborhood.

 

CHICAGO — Wrigleyville is the most famous neighborhood in baseball, where gang-infested houses have become multimillion-dollar enterprises and a ballclub that stinks on the field continues to be a force at the cash register.

 

It also has been a peaceful neighborhood with a family atmosphere, a setting fostered by a cooperative relationship between its most notorious tenant — the Chicago Cubs — and the area's residents.

 

Got to love the loaded term, "notorious tenant", as if the Cubs are some hoodlum organization renting a room in a flop house.

 

"We live here, this is our neighborhood," said Beth Murphy, a Wrigleyville resident since 1979 and owner of the famous bar Murphy's Bleachers, on the corner of Sheffield and Waveland. "This isn't Disneyland, or a place where people just come and go. People have invested their time and money to make it what it is.

 

"Wrigley is a neighbor. And a big neighbor. But he's just part of the neighborhood. Wrigley doesn't run our neighborhood. People need to understand that."

[UMFan83]

The funny thing is that Wrigley does - and should - run the neighborhood

[Thed Hoyerstein]

People don't realize that these home values have skyrocketed in large part due to the Cubs and Wrigley. Not to mention that you have to go further west to Southport to find these "multi-million" dollar homes, and Southport is largely out of the way of Cubs madness, contrary to popular belief.