Wrigley Renovation Thread

[David]

David Schuster
There are stories circulating again that Wrigley Field could get a major renovation that would necessitate the Cubs playing at U.S. Cellular for one season

Like · · Share · 4 minutes ago via BlackBerry ·


It's a slow time of year, otherwise I'd dig up old threads on this issue and bury it in there...but I guess we'll see if this picks up and the rumors of Emanuel privately being more open to helping them out end up being true.

[Sammy Sofa]

Really hope this is true. It would explain a lot with the spending, too.

[OleMissCub]

if we'd have to be out for a whole season, you may as well just build a whole new one like the Yankees did.

[The Logan]

Ugh... The Cell? Can't they just play at Little Cubs Field instead?

[Omar]

I would not be opposed to Soldier Field turning into a baseball field for one summer.

[RammyFanny]

http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Wh ... 47408.html

Despite the title, the direct quotes seem like they don't really completely shoot down the notion of it eventually happening.

[UMFan83]

George ofman @georgeofman
Sure sounds to me spokesman for Ricketts is making a non denial, denial concerning move to Cell for 2013.

[manbearcub]

Maybe they should be less concerned with asking if they will be playing at Comiskey and more concerned with asking about the renovation/funding.

[Irrelevant Dude]

I'm all for it. Re-open Wrigley Field in 2014 with a completely renovated ballpark and a rebuilt roster that is on the upswing and ready to compete for a division title in the near future.

[Derwood]

Hasn't the general consensus been that Reinsdorf will make it as difficult (or expensive) as possible for the Cubs to share US Cellular?

[Soul]

Hasn't the general consensus been that Reinsdorf will make it as difficult (or expensive) as possible for the Cubs to share US Cellular?

I thought so. But what do I know?

I'd do this. Let's settle the issue of Wrigley renovation once and for all. It will cost us one solitary season away from the friendly confines. Do it.

[seanimal]

Hasn't the general consensus been that Reinsdorf will make it as difficult (or expensive) as possible for the Cubs to share US Cellular?

in what way would reinsdorf make it more expensive?

i think it would be cool to play in us cellular for a season, especially if we do really well

[wekse]

i'm all for this...i'm sick of feeling like i'm in a crowded bar when trying to make my way through the concourse when at wrigley...i also hate that my legs hit the chair or person in front of me when i sit in the seats...this is long overdue.

[Cubswin11]

Hasn't the general consensus been that Reinsdorf will make it as difficult (or expensive) as possible for the Cubs to share US Cellular?

There's always Milwaukee as another option if Reinsdorf/White Sox try to make it overly difficult or costly. It's only about 1-1/12 hours away and they've shown a willingness to let teams use their stadium before (Cubs/Astros and Indians). They'd probably welcome the extra revenue being a small market and I could see Bud even pushing for us to move there for a season to help give some extra financial stimulus to his old team/city.

And yes, count me in on some big time renovations for Wrigley. Giving up a season playing there while it's being renovated and having to play someplace else is a small price to pay.

[seanimal]

there's always where the gary railcats play

[Splendid Splinter]

there's always where the gary railcats play

LOL... Every time someone say something about Gary, I think of this:

[bcl412]

If this happens I kind of want the Cubs to win the World Series while playing at the Cell.

[Cubswin11]

I would not be opposed to Soldier Field turning into a baseball field for one summer.

Is it even possible to configure a baseball field within Solder Field?

[Omar]

I would not be opposed to Soldier Field turning into a baseball field for one summer.

Is it even possible to configure a baseball field within Solder Field?

I just pulled out Google Earth and opened up a ruler tool. And no, it is not.

Unless you are willing to settle for 190 foot foul lines.

[David]

http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Whither-the-2013-Cubs-139247408.html

Despite the title, the direct quotes seem like they don't really completely shoot down the notion of it eventually happening.

Another plan for the renovation includes asking season ticket holders to purchase personal seat licenses (or PSLs) to help pay for the renovation, much the same way the Chicago Bears financed the renovation of Soldier Field.
But without a winning team, that's a lot to ask.


Source: http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Wh ... z1mLD626gT

[UMFan83]

The Bears were not a winning team when they sold their PSLs. Unless you count 1 winning season over a 9 year stretch winning. The Cubs with their 20k season ticket waiting list would have no trouble selling PSLs

[Old Style]

I'd hate to see the Cubs not play at Wrigley even for one season, but if that's what needs to be done then so be it. I'd prefer they play in Milwaukee over The Cell, though. Do it before this team gets really good. I don't want to say it would suck seeing the Cubs play in the World Series while Wrigley is not ready, but it wouldn't be right. If they were actually good enough to make it to the WS in 2013 maybe they could re-open Wrigley just in time for the playoffs. That would be a good story.

[Derwood]

Hasn't the general consensus been that Reinsdorf will make it as difficult (or expensive) as possible for the Cubs to share US Cellular?

in what way would reinsdorf make it more expensive?

Not sure, just what's been said in the past. It's a taxpayer funded stadium, but I don't know how much control Reinsdorf has in terms of charging another team to play there. I think this may have been more of an issue when Daley was Mayor (and everyone thought he would side with the Sox in any deliberations)

[jersey cubs fan]

I'd think Reinsdorf would be happy to take on the additional revenue that would come from hosting games every day of the season.

[SouthSideRyan]

The Bears were not a winning team when they sold their PSLs. Unless you count 1 winning season over a 9 year stretch winning. The Cubs with their 20k season ticket waiting list would have no trouble selling PSLs

It's not that simple. How many people with season tickets + those on the waiting list can even afford(or choose to afford) the full price of season tickets vs. selling off half of them? Now add in the cost of the PSL.

Quick search turned up these original prices of the Bears PSLs. I have no idea what each zone means, but given the higher cost of MLB season tickets vs NFL (81 games vs 8 games that matter), I'd have to imagine Wrigley PSLs would be higher.

Original prices per PSL(Discounted for prior season ticket holders):

Zone A: $4,400 ($3,740)
Zone B $2,700 ($2,295)
Zone C $1,300 ($1,105)
Zone D $900 ($765)

Zone E: $4,500 ($3,825)
Zone F $3,700 ($3,145)

Zone G $3,900 ($3.315)
Zone H $2,800 ($2,380)

Club 1 $10,000-ouch ($8,500)
Club 2 $5,300 ($4,505)
Club 3 $2,900 ($2,465)