Judge: Cubs Can Build Jumbotrons, Signs
By Chuck Sudo in News on Feb 20, 2015 3:00PM
A federal judge dealt a blow to owners of two rooftop clubs surrounding Wrigley Field Thursday and ruled the Chicago Cubs may continue with the already-delayed renovations of their bleachers, including erecting Jumbotrons and advertising signage that would obscure the views into the park the rooftop clubs currently enjoy.
U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendall said Skybox on Sheffield and Lakeview Baseball Club owner Edward McCarthy failed to show how the Cubs’ plans to install the signage would impact his businesses. The Cubs argued in court that McCarthy’s businesses waited too long to file the temporary restraining order request, knew about the signs for months and weren’t in the “life-or-death” situation McCarthy claimed.
Cubs spokesman Dennis Culloton said the team was happy with the ruling.
"We're obviously very pleased with the ruling and very grateful that the judge is showing such concern for opening day approaching for both sides in court," he said. "Construction continues in the meantime, in spite of the very frigid conditions."
The legal battle isn’t over. The Cubs still have to deal with a lawsuit filed by McCarthy claiming the ball club violated the terms of their 20-year revenue sharing agreement with rooftop clubs by engaging in “unethical” and “unfair” behavior by buying out three rooftop clubs and attempting to create a price-fixing scheme with others.
The team has asked to have the lawsuit dismissed, citing baseball’s antitrust exemption.
The two sides will return to court March 23 for a hearing on the lawsuit. Meanwhile, construction on the bleachers, which won’t be fully completed until late May, continues. It’s unknown when the Cubs will erect the Jumbotrons and other signage. The team has consistently said revenue from that signage is fundamental to their $375 million renovation of Wrigley Field.