Landmarks Commission OKs Plan For Ads On Wrigley Field Scoreboard Clock
By Chuck Sudo in News on Jul 9, 2013 2:00PM
While Ald. Tom Tunney, owners of rooftop clubs surrounding Wrigley Field and residential neighbors of the ballpark continue to engage the Chicago Cubs in discussions regarding the addition of giant video screens inside the Friendly Confines, the ballclub’s plan to dramatically increase the amount of signage inside the ballpark is only a permit approval away.
Last month, the Commission of Chicago Landmarks approved a plan allowing the Cubs to place advertising along the outfield wall, behind home plate, along the face of Wrigley Field’s press box and on the clock of the park’s iconic scoreboard. The scoreboard could also house LED screens for advertising. (The Tribune has a handy graphic of all the proposed signage here.)
The Landmarks Commission is set to vote on “pre-permit submission” for the outfield signage at their meeting Wednesday, but this aspect of the Ricketts family’s renovation proposal for Wrigley Field has long been seen as a slam dunk. Still Cubs spokesman Julian Green said that doesn’t mean all the proposed signage will happen. "As we go forward, we have to balance being good stewards of the ballpark, the historic character that people love, while looking at the potential ability to increase sources of revenue."
The Rickettses have been adamant since unveiling their renovation plan that they need to leverage every bit of revenue possible to fund it, which can only be done if the Landmarks Commission relaxes Wrigley Field’s landmark status. Opponents to the plan, namely Tunney and the Wrigleyville rooftop owners, have objected to the addition of video screens in left field if it obstructs some clubs’ views of the field. The Cubs erected mockups of the proposed video screens in May to show what the video screen and other signage would look like from the vantage points of the rooftop clubs.
Even with the expected approval of the increased signage, Green told the Tribune the Cubs’ focus is still on receiving approval for the video screens, as they’re expected to be the biggest revenue generators for the renovation plan.
Related:
Cubs Erect Mockups Of Video Screen, Outfield Signage
Tunney Demands Changes To Wrigley Renovation Plan
City, Cubs Finally Reach A Deal On Wrigley Field Renovations
Chicago Cubs Want To Clutter Wrigley Field With Jumbo Jumbotron And Signs?