Cubs can add extra signs, 70 more seats near bullpen

WRIGLEY FIELD | City approves changes to landmark

January 4, 2008
BY FRAN SPIELMAN City Hall Reporter fspielman@suntimes.com

The Cubs got the go-ahead Thursday to add 70 premium-priced "bullpen box seats" along the third base line at Wrigley Field -- and install additional signage -- to wring more revenue out of the 93-year-old ballpark.

In 2004, the City Council gave landmark status to "historic elements" of Wrigley, including the marquee at Clark and Addison, the quaint centerfield scoreboard and ivy-covered brick wall, and the uninterrupted sweep of the bleachers and grandstand.

Fans will get an even closer look at Cubs pitchers, such as Mark Prior in 2004. (Tom Cruze/Sun-Times) That means physical changes to those elements must be approved by a permit committee of the Commission on Chicago Landmarks.

On Thursday, the committee said "Play Ball," paving the way for the Cubs to generate new revenue on the heels of a recent increase in ticket prices.

'Focused on winning' "We're adding 70 additional bullpen box seats on the third base side, much as we did previously on the first-base side. These will be great seats and, just like the seats behind home plate, will blend in with the architecture and history of Wrigley Field," said Mike Lufrano, the Cubs' vice president of community relations. "We're also extending digital signage on the sides of the grandstands by adding fixed advertising panels on either side."

City Hall approved the changes because "landmark buildings aren't frozen in time, need to be maintained and can be improved while respecting their history," said Peter Scales of the city's Department of Planning and Development.

The changes were approved as Gov. Blagojevich and Mayor Daley mull the Tribune Co.'s request to have the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority acquire and renovate Wrigley.

Why add seats and signs when the entire ballpark might be rebuilt?

"We're focused on winning in 2008," Lufrano said.

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