Wrigley Bleacher Expansion Progress

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Jan 25, 2006 1:48PM

While most Chicago Cubs players are spending the winter someplace warm and their fans are devoting time to the Bears, Bulls or Blackhawks while waiting for spring training, Wrigley Field has had a busy off-season. The stadium in well into its bleacher makeover that will be ready for Opening Day.

The bleacher enhancements inlcude 1,702 new seats, an expanded concourse and a restaurant/lounge in the "batter's eye." Chicagoist wants to know if it true that it'll be another outpost of John Barleycorn?

Today's Trib has some pretty cool graphics showing the changes as well as a photo gallery showing the current progress.

From the looks of the graphics, the Cubs have done a nice job of maintining the feel of the bleachers we've known while also adding nearly 50% more seating and other amenities to the raucous section. It's not apparent how much of the homes behind the bleacher walls -- one of baseball's signature stadium features -- will be visible from inside the park, nor is it apparent how well people on the rooftops of those buildings will still be able to steal views of the game. One thing that fans won't see added during the off-season? A World Series banner --they'll have to visit the other ballpark to see that stadium enhancement.