Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel yesterday said that he is "in the 'final stages' of negotiating a deal to pave the way for the renovation" of 98-year-old Wrigley Field, according to Fran Spielman of the CHICAGO SUN-TIMES. Sources said that if there is an agreement, it is "likely to include a variation of the financing scheme that Emanuel once called a 'non-starter': the city forfeiting 35 years’ worth of amusement tax growth from the Cubs." But the Cubs have "agreed to a minimum guaranteed payment to the city that would increase every year." Emanuel also "demanded the Cubs invest their own money in the stadium instead of the team pumping" $200M into the construction of the "triangle building" adjacent to Wrigley. Emanuel said, "Whatever we do to enhance the value of Wrigley Field, it will be to make sure the private owners enhance the value at Wrigley Field. ... I will not put my money in their field so they can take their money and invest around the field and get greater economic value" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 4/4). In Chicago, Mack & Sachdev in a front-page piece note Emanuel "didn't shut the door on tax money being used in some fashion." A source said that Emanuel and the Cubs are "trying to reach an agreement that would allow the team to use a portion of the amusement tax, along with money put up by [Cubs Owner] the Ricketts, on the ballpark and development surrounding Wrigley." However, "all parties involved cautioned a deal isn't imminent and several hurdles would have to be overcome." If Emanuel and the Cubs "were to reach agreement, they'd have to sell a plan" to state legislators (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 4/4). Crain’s Chicago Business’ Ed Sherman said, "I need someone to really spell out for me what you are going to spend $500 million on an existing structure. ... That's a lot of money. I have not seen anyone spell out exactly what is going to be done, what kind of complex they are going to build outside the stadium. What is going to be done inside the stadium? I think the taxpayers have a right to know” (“Chicago Tribune Live,” Comcast SportsNet Chicago, 4/3).
WHAT'S NEW: In Chicago, Fred Mitchell noted a new feature at Wrigley Field this season is that the Kraft "Noodle" has been "moved to the corner of Clark and Addison" streets. It "sits in front of the new 'Cubs Store.'" The ballpark's exterior also "has a new look, with banners of Cubs players adorning the facade." The Cubs said that the new right field Budweiser Patio "will be ready to go for Thursday's game against the Nationals," as will the Audi Legends Suite, which is "located along the first-base side." Anyone can rent the suite, which holds up to 14 people (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 4/3).
SCORING FIRST WIN OF SEASON: In Chicago, David Roeder notes the Ricketts were "fighting with a sports memorabilia shop over the right to sell souvenirs at Clark and Addison, across the street from Wrigley Field’s front gate." Chicago Sports & Novelty Inc. said that it "had a valid lease to sell wares on the property, part of a parking lot for a McDonald’s restaurant." An attorney for Chicago Sports yesterday said that the case has "been 'amicably settled' and that a Ricketts-controlled investment group 'is entitled to full and undisturbed use of the property at issue in the litigation'" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 4/4).
