State Deal With Wrigley Less and Less Likely

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Mar 18, 2008 3:46PM

While we here in the Chicagoist offices have taken exception to the possible re-naming of Wrigley Field, we have a much bigger issue with the possible new ownership of the park. From the get-go, we have opposed the sale of Wrigley to the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, the state agency that owns and runs U.S. Cellular Field.

While we appreciate that the ISFA's actions in the late 80s kept our beloved White Sox from bolting for St. Pete, we just don't understand why the state needs to intervene with the Wrigley sale. No potential owner is threatening to relocate the Cubs from Chicago, or even give up their Clark & Addison location. There is no legacy or jobs to protect that the state can even use to justify such a purchase.

So we were relieved to hear that the deal's on life support. Among the complications -- opposition to sales tax dollars going to pay for the park, undue financial strains at a time of economic uncertainty for the state, and the lack of suitors of the naming rights due to the fans' uproar. While the ISFA, the governor and Sam Zell want to move forward, the response from state legislators is tepid at best. is See, all of our hand-wringing about the name is beneficial!

Nonetheless, the ISFA is expected to submit a bid to the Tribune Co. shortly -- possibly as soon as Tuesday. Let's hope the deal really is DOA.

Photo by by wallyg