Wrigley Field is one of Major League Baseball’s few remaining classic ballparks, as it is an annual destination for baseball fans who want to visit but not “sit with those crazy drunks in the bleachers.” But because this sport is also a business, Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts and his family are trying to do everything they can to make sure they’re milking every dime possible, without having to tear down Wrigley and build a new stadium. (But you know that they totally want to.)
The latest plan to increase revenue for the Cubbies involves a half-billion dollar renovation to both the stadium and the surrounding plaza, and everyone from Chicago’s mayor Rahm Emanuel to alderman Tom Tunney wants to pass a new ordinance that would allow Cubs fans and Chicagoans in general to get drunk as all hell on gameday.
Alcohol could be sold in a sports plaza directly adjacent to the stadium from 11 a.m. until midnight on weekends and until 11 p.m. on weeknights. Sales also would be allowed during nongame events like the concerts or ice skating programs the Cubs have talked about for the plaza to be built west of the park.
The proposal also would make it legal for fans to carry alcohol out of the ballpark and into the plaza, and into the park from the plaza. (Via the Chicago Tribune)
Thanks to the wording of the ordinance, this applies to the area around any of Chicago’s stadiums, so Bears and White Sox fans would also get to benefit from overpriced beers in the parking lots before their games as well. But this is mostly about making the game experience better for Cubs fans, so it’s great to see that the Ricketts family is spending money on the important things, like a hotel and a giant walkway that connects the hotel to the stadium, and not stupid stuff like pitchers, infielders and outfielders.
In all seriousness, selling more beer is a great idea, seeing as Chicago baseball fans are always in need of a new cup.
(Banner via Getty)
