Cubs Changing New Wrigley Field Signage Again
By Chuck Sudo in News on Dec 3, 2014 8:00PM
The Cubs are making more changes to their Wrigley Field renovation plans. The Tribune, citing sources, reports the team agreed to scrap one of the planned seven signs they were going to install in the outfield and shrink the size of another.
Now this is good news for the rooftop clubs surrounding the Friendly Confines (at least, the ones that aren’t in foreclosure) but the Cubs aren’t doing this as a concession to them. The team is implementing the changes so they can remain eligible for $75 million in tax credits from the National Park Service, which has to approve of the ongoing renovations. The park Service also has to "approve the design, type, color and size of each outfield script sign before installation."
The new sign plan calls for the loss of a sign that would have been located between Wrigley Field’s historic scoreboard and the Jumbotron the team will erect in left field, a smaller video board in right field and moving a script sign originally slated to be installed in right field to behind the Budweiser patio under the bleachers.
Keep in mind the Cubs have long said these signs and the ad revenue that will be generated from them are a fundamental part of their $575 million Wrigley renovation plan, which ostensibly will receive no tax subsidies from the city. The demolition and reconstruction of the bleachers has been steady but is behind schedule. Cubs spokesman Julian Green laid the blame at an unseasonably cold autumn and water main work along around the ballpark that is preventing construction crews from starting deep foundational work. If the new bleachers aren’t completed by the time the Cubs open the season April 5 against the Cardinals, Green said the team can either place bleacher bums in the grandstand or offer them refunds or credits.