Change In The Air Again At Wrigley As Cubs Seek New Revenue

Cubs Looking To Add Premium Seats Down First Base Line

The Cubs for the second time in two years “want to move a brick wall at Wrigley Field to add premium-priced seats –-this time to enclose three rows down the first-base line,” according to Fran Spielman of the CHICAGO SUN-TIMES. Should the Commission on Historical Landmarks (CHL) approve the plan, 48 seats near the visitors bullpen — currently reserved for photographers, VIPs and MLB officials — “would be sold to the public for roughly $250 apiece, along with 32 additional seats to be added behind the new brick wall.” The Cubs are also seeking CHL approval for a “permanent rotating advertising board behind home plate that could generate” $3.5-5M annually. Cubs VP/Community Relations Mike Lufrano said of the signage, “We understand the argument of those who wish we didn’t have to do this, but it’s part of our effort to continue to find ways to generate revenue that allows us to compete on the field and preserve our 90-year-old ballpark” (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 11/30). In Chicago, Gary Washburn cited Lufrano as saying that for at least next season the Cubs will not “accept any advertising for tobacco products or hard liquor.” City of Chicago Planning Dept. spokesperson Peter Scales said of the team’s proposals, “These plans balance the historic preservation of the park with the operating needs of the [Cubs]. Therefore, the Planning Department is recommending that the Landmarks Commission approve it” (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 11/30).