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Old Posted Oct 21, 2012, 10:08 PM
MegaBass MegaBass is offline
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Landmarks commission approves moving Wrigley wall

Quote:
The Commission on Chicago Landmarks' permit review committee on Thursday approved the Cubs' plan to move the brick wall at Wrigley Field three feet closer to home plate to install 56 prime box seats.

As for the new seats, the landmark committee voted 5-1 in favor of the Cubs' plan, which takes more away from the foul area behind home plate seven years after three rows were installed that lost 10 feet. The Cubs will be able to sell the new seats as season tickets for more than $200 per game.

"If they move (the wall) in it may eliminate a little bit guys trying to score on a passed ball," Cubs catcher Steve Clevenger said. "We've got to take advantage of that. There could be some disadvantages on our part, but I don't see anything wrong. It shouldn't affect anything."

One section of the wall near the Cubs' dugout will be converted to movable seats so the team can fit a football field into Wrigley Field to entice college teams to play there.

Northwestern and Illinois met in 2010 but had to play offense in the same direction because the configuration forced one end zone too close to the outfield walls, which was deemed a safety hazard. The Cubs hope to get Northwestern or Notre Dame to agree to move a home game there.

The committee also approved plans to add two new ComEd electrical vaults at the roof level over the right- and left-field grandstand seats to increase electrical capacity for the stadium. Parts of the ballpark will be shut down this winter for installation.

Tunney Proposes Plan For Wrigley Field Rooftop Clubs To Hang Ads

Quote:
While plans for renovating Wrigley Field remain in limbo, Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) is proposing a plan that would allow the rooftop clubs surrounding the Friendly Confines to hang advertising above their rooftops.
Tunney told the Sun-Times the plan, which would require a change in the ordinance allowing rooftop clubs to do business, is “breaking [new] ground” and could be mutually beneficial for both the rooftop clubs and the Cubs. "My job is to try to forge a solid relationship with the businesses that need Wrigley and Wrigley needs the businesses. It’s a symbiotic relationship. I’m trying to navigate that,” said Tunney.
But it would be more beneficial for the rooftop clubs, which have had problems in recent years filling those seats as the Cubs’ fortunes have declined. Rooftop club owners are also the primary source of Tunney’s campaign cash, accounting for 10 percent of all the funds he’s raised since he became alderman nine years ago—a symbiotic relationship, indeed.
Gold Coast Tickets owner Max Waisvisz, who owns the Sheffield Baseball Club, Wrigley Field Rooftop Club and Ivy League Baseball Club, told Chicago Real Estate Daily’s Danny Ecker revenue was down 12 percent last season. Rooftop clubs are contracted to funnel 17 percent of their revenue to the Cubs, so the advertising proposal is obviously a way for them to make up for the lost revenue.
Tunney wouldn't tell the Sun-Times if the Cubs would get a piece of the advertising pie, if the plan is approved. Tunney has also expressed reservations with the stalled Wrigley renovation plan proposed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel that would allow the Cubs to raise revenue for renovating the ballpark by relaxing its landmark status so the team can leverage sponsorship and advertising agreements. Tunney said rooftop club owners are afraid the Cubs would erect ads that would obstruct the clubs’ views of the game.
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