Work Begins on Wrigley Field Renovation Project

NBC Chicago ^ | September 30, 2014 | Anthony Ponce

[re_tail20]

Construction on the $575 million Wrigley Field renovation project officially went into high gear Monday.

The Chicago Cubs wasted zero time between the end of the baseball season last week and the start of construction.

Over the next six months, workers will expand the bleachers in both outfields, push the stadium's footprint further onto both Waveland Avenue and Sheffield, and lay the foundation for seven new outfield signs along with a 2,400 square foot video scoreboard in right field. The Red and Purple parking lots will also be excavated to make room for underground players' locker rooms and lounges.

Some fans are excited about the changes but others are worried about losing the historic venue's character.

[shortstop]

[dfwgator]

Just keep away the Illinois Nazis.

[dfwgator]

Kaufman Stadium is definitely one of my favorite ballparks, I was happy the Royals won just so I could watch more games from there on TV.

[DoodleDawg]

Kaufman Stadium is definitely one of my favorite ballparks, I was happy the Royals won just so I could watch more games from there on TV.

If you ever have a chance to take in a game there please don't miss it. It is a beautiful park without a single bad sightline in the place. And really one of the more affordable parks in the majors as well.

[painter]

You mean opened in 2006 not 1996 which makes it even worse. lol

The Cardinals won the World Series that year too!

[RayChuang88]

It think what the Cubs really want is increase the number of night games to over 45 per season. This is actually a GOOD idea, because it allows the biological rhythm of the Cubs players to better match that of other MLB players who play mostly night games on weeknights during the season.

[Delta Dawn]

I’m right-handed but learned to bat left-handed

You could have stopped after declaring yourself a Cardinals fan...we knew you were messed up at that point...

[newfreep]

LOL!

Actually, since I’m right-handed, batting left-handed offers more power.

I’m in SW Ohio and surrounded by Reds fans. I almost feel sorry for them - excited in April and ready to hang themselves in August.

[Delta Dawn]

Reminds me of an old joke...

Cubs ran a promotion in the early 70’s for a trip for one to Cincinnati to see the Cubs play the Reds...The announcer gave the spiel about the contest and then added, second prize is a trip for two to see the Cubs play the Reds...

[woodbutcher1963]

It also generates much more revenue. The RED SOX broadcast every game on their station NESN. I am sure the TV commercial time between 7-10 pm EST is worth much money than time when most people are at work. The more revenue you can generate allows you to compete with teams like the Yankees, Red Sox and Dodgers when is comes to buying free agents.