The Cubs hope that "Mother Nature and a cooperative local government will allow them to accelerate the first phase of Wrigley Field renovations," according to Mark Gonzales of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE. Cubs VP/Communications & Community Affairs Julian Green yesterday said, "We have 26 weeks. It's a very aggressive schedule. ... We're talking to the landmarks commission about how we take the ivy off the wall, how it's stored and how we take off the bricks." Green said that the city "understands the team's sense of urgency, based on visits" from landmarks commission reps. Green said the commission is "critical to making sure we can get this done on time" for the April 6 home opener. He added that the Cubs "have started taking down cables and phone wires, electrical cables and piping to prepare for construction work in the bleachers while being respectful to the requirements of the landmarks commission." The Cubs also "plan to start digging a massive hole in a lot behind third base to start the foundation for a new home clubhouse targeted for completion" before the '16 season (
CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 10/2). Green: "Our goal is to be responsible preservationists, but at the same time if we are delayed ... it could put the project at risk." In Chicago, Danny Ecker reported two of Wrigley Field's four statues -- the Ernie Banks statue on Clark Street and the Harry Caray statue at Waveland and Sheffield -- "were removed" yesterday. Both "are headed to Patten Monument Co. in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to receive new bases." The Caray statue "will return to its current spot beyond the center field bleacher entrance, while the Banks statue will be on display in a temporary location until it returns to its spot near the Wrigley Field marquee, after the team's planned open-air plaza" adjacent to the ballpark is finished in '16 (
CHICAGOBUSINESS.com, 10/1).
NOW THAT'S PROGRESSIVE: In Cleveland, Amanda Harnocz reported work began yesterday "to eliminate" 5,000-6,000 seats at the 43,000-seat Progressive Field. The renovations "are privately funded" with support from Delaware North Cos. and Indians ownership. Team President Mark Shapiro said that the estimated cost "is not known at this time, but the majority of the enhancements will be ready" for Opening Day '15 (CLEVELAND.com, 10/1).
