The new plaza outside Wrigley Field will open for business on the morning of the Cubs' April 10 home opener, and the Ricketts family yesterday "gave a look at the initial tenants -- including a new flagship Cubs store and restaurant," according to Lauren Zumbach of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE. The Park at Wrigley "fills a triangular spot adjacent to the ballpark between Clark Street and Waveland Avenue." The two-story flagship Cubs Store will "sell team gear, apparel and memorabilia, with a 'custom bar' where fans can personalize team merchandise." Jostens, which "designed the team's championship ring, will have a store selling jewelry and collectibles" commemorating the Cubs' '16 season. The Park at Wrigley also will have a "Starbucks Reserve coffee bar, Green City Market weekly farmers market and tavern-style restaurant with outdoor seating." A Cubs spokesperson said that the restaurant is "set to open later this summer, and there will be at least one additional tenant." The plaza also will "host community events throughout the year." Although the plaza is going by the Park at Wrigley for now, it "could end up with a new name." Ricketts family spokesperson Dennis Culloton said that WME-IMG and Hickory Street Capital are working to "line up events and partnerships (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 3/30). In Chicago, Fran Spielman notes liquor sales on the plaza will be "limited to beer and wine." Those drinks can be "sold only during 'stadium events' such as games and concerts and at a maximum of 12 special events per year, each requiring its own special permit." And on game and concert days, attendance at the open-air plaza will be "limited to fans with tickets." The plaza also will feature a “Trophy Room” sponsored by Motorola that will "house and allow fans to take photos" alongside the '16 World Series championship trophy all season (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 3/30).
