Wrigley Field Getting Smaller Video Screens Under Compromise
By Chuck Sudo in News on Jul 11, 2013 4:00PM
Image courtesy Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs will get the Jumbotron they’ve been seeking as the linchpin of their plan to renovate Wrigley Field without any taxpayer subsidies, only it won’t be as ginormous as originally intended.
The Cubs agreed to reduce the size of the proposed video board in left field to 4,500 square feet. They originally sought a 6,000 square-foot sign. The sign will be 95 feet wide to appease the Wrigleyville rooftop owners whose view of the field the board would obstruct. The back of the video board would be designed to blend in with Wrigley Field’s exterior. The Cubs also agreed to reduce the size of a see-through sign in right field from 1,000 square feet to 650 square feet. The sign, originally intended to move or rotate, will remain static.
The Commission on Chicago Landmarks is expected to approve the signs in a meeting Thursday. The Ricketts family insisted the Jumbotron was a non-negotiable issue that was vital to their renovation plans as the revenue generated from advertising, marketing and sponsorships displayed on the screen would go toward the ballpark’s restoration. Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) demanded a smaller video screen, a reduction in proposed outfield signage, and the removal of a pedestrian bridge connecting Wrigley Field with a proposed hotel to be built by the Ricketts family across the street before he would approve of the plan.
The Landmarks Commission smacked Tunney Down earlier this week and approved the Cubs’ outfield signage plan, which could see extra 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 compromise on the Jumbotron size means the Cubs can still raise the necessary revenue for their restoration plan.
The city did draw a line on a proposal for the Cubs to have fireworks at Wrigley Field, like the White Sox do at U.S. Cellular Field.
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?
Landmarks Commission OKs Plan For Ads On Wrigley Field Scoreboard Clock