Cactus League Teams Oppose Legislation For Cubs' Spring Training

Cactus League Teams Opposed To Legislation Aimed At Keeping Cubs Spring Training In Mesa

D'Backs President & CEO Derrick Hall said that Cactus League teams are "united in opposing" legislation designed to help keep the Cubs' Spring Training operations in Mesa, Arizona, according to Nelson & Walsh of the ARIZONA REPUBLIC. The legislation "would raise car-rental taxes and impose a surcharge on spring-training tickets to help pay for a new Cubs stadium and practice facility." Hall said that the "main objection is to the ticket surcharge because that would come directly out of fans' pockets." Hall: "It's really a catch-22 because we would love for the Cubs to stay -- just not at the expense of our fans. The other 13 teams in the Cactus League feel the same way." Arizona state Rep. John McComish "plans to introduce the bill" today. McComish Friday said that he "had to rush it into the legislative hopper to meet a filing deadline." The bill seeks to raise $59M over 20 years to "pay off bonds that would be issued by the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority to build the Cubs complex." Mesa for months has said that "keeping the Cubs is essential to the overall health of the Cactus League." Nelson & Smith noted passing the legislation is "one of several milestones that must be reached under an agreement signed" last month by Mesa and the Cubs. Mesa Mayor Scott Smith "defended the Cubs legislation in a news briefing Friday after" White Sox Chair Jerry Reinsdorf "expressed opposition to the plan." Smith said that the White Sox "enjoy a publicly funded stadium in Chicago." Smith: "The irony is delicious" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 2/6).

HOME IMPROVEMENTS: ESPN CHICAGO's Bruce Levine noted Wrigley Field is getting a "much-needed face-lift" this offseason. A "newly renovated home clubhouse is part of the construction going on at the fabled ballpark under the watchful eye of the Ricketts family." A "brand-new players lounge with major-league comfort levels is part of the construction in the area of the clubhouse where the weight room and cardio room once existed." The team also is "building a mirrored opening on the back end of the right-field wall with the intention of allowing fans outside of the park to watch Cubs players take batting practice under the right-field stands." The window "will be open on Sheffield Ave. as part of a plaza the Cubs are building, which will also access their Sheffield Grill, the restaurant that will be open to the public before and after games." In addition, the team is "promising to upgrade" the food products at the ballpark. Meanwhile, the Cubs "will announce a new marketing campaign that will be introduced" this week, "focusing on the future while retaining the culture of the past" (ESPNCHICAGO.com, 2/5). 

Cubs Still Considering Ad Signs Behind Left Field Bleachers

THE SUITE LIFE: CRAIN'S CHICAGO BUSINESS' Ed Sherman reports the Cubs will soon unveil a "new executive club at Wrigley Field." Cubs Exec VP and Chief Sales & Marketing Officer Wally Hayward said that they are "just waiting to wrap up any loose ends with the presenting sponsor." The club "will be located in suites 1-6 down the leftfield line, overlooking the Cubs bullpen." There will be "71 season tickets sold for the club and the package will include food and beverage." It will cost $24,300, "with the buyer purchasing a minimum of two seats." Hayward said that the club is "designed to attract businesses who want to entertain clients but can't afford or need an entire suite" (CHICAGOBUSINESS.com, 2/8).

GREEN SCREEN: CRAIN'S CHICAGO BUSINESS' Sherman reports the Cubs "still are considering placing advertising signs behind the seats in the leftfield bleachers." The team in November "erected two large green boards in the bleachers." The boards "were down last week, but that doesn't mean the Cubs have abandoned their plan to put up fully sponsored" signs. Hayward said there is "a lot of interest" from potential advertisers. The Cubs said that "any proposed signs wouldn't conflict with their agreements with rooftop owners." However, the signs "would block out TV camera angles that show an ad for Horseshoe Casino in a building across the street." The Cubs "aren't happy with that ad" (CHICAGOBUSINESS.com, 2/8).