- Chicago Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts said Wednesday that without new signage in the outfield at Wrigley Field the team will consider leaving the historic ballpark.

It's believed to be the first time Ricketts has publicly floated the idea of leaving Wrigley, although he maintained throughout his speech at the City Club of Chicago that his preference is to remain at Wrigley and improve the park with a $500 million renovation.

"I'm not sure how anyone is going to stop the signs in the outfield, but if it comes to the point that we don't have the ability to do what we need to do in our outfield then we're going to have to consider moving," Ricketts told reporters, according to the Chicago Tribune. "It's as simple as that."

Ricketts said the team needs to install a 6,000 square foot video board at Wrigley because it would bring in much needed revenue.

Ricketts said the Cubs could be making $20 million a year more in ad revenue. He said the video board proposed for the left field is "midsize" compared to those displayed at other major league ball parks.

Nearby rooftop owners, who charge fans for access to watch Cubs games, worry such a board would block their views and have vowed legal action if that happens. In 2004, the team and the rooftop owners entered into a 20-year deal in which the Cubs allow access to views of Wrigley in exchange for 17 percent of rooftop revenues. Ricketts says studies indicate the views would only be blocked minimally, if at all.

Ricketts said the team will file its proposal with the city on Wednesday.

 

 

Tom Ricketts of Chicago Cubs considers leaving Wrigley Field if outfield signage not approved - ESPN Chicago

I hate the Cubs so I don't care what they do. I would think that with an agreement in place til 2024, the rooftop owners would have a leg to stand on if a new sign or score board block their view of the field.

I hate the Cubs so I don't care what they do. I would think that with an agreement in place til 2024, the rooftop owners would have a leg to stand on if a new sign or score board block their view of the field.

 

 

Not if they don't play in Wrigley Field.

Why can they just replace the scoreboard in center field? seems like it would be way easier on everyone.

Why can they just replace the scoreboard in center field? seems like it would be way easier on everyone.

 

They probably want to keep as much as the historical part of the park intact.

They probably want to keep as much as the historical part of the park intact.

 

Not if they don't play in Wrigley Field...:lol2:

 

Only thing I like about Wrigley, is the stadiums cameo in "The Blues Brothers"

I'm fine as long as they stay in the NL Central

I'm fine as long as they stay in the NL Central

 

 

May not feel that way if they're spending $200 million a year when they get all the added revenue.

Wrigley field is the only thing that I like in the entire city of Chicago. I don't like the Cubs but love Wrigley Field, along with Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park and GABP ( bc I have never seen it, I have watched the Reds in Crosley and Riverfront and would like to say that I have attended Reds games in all three).

Wrigley is a dump, why should they stay, demand a new ballpark, make the city pay for it.

If they move they better get a lot better or the 50% of people that come for the ambience or tradition will not be there.

Just because it's historical that doesn't make it nice. The place is run down

May not feel that way if they're spending $200 million a year when they get all the added revenue.

 

Especially with Theo Epstein running the team. Seems like he played a big part in ending one curse.

It is a dump but I loved going to a game there

This is funny. I guess they believe the fans are coming because of their wonderful product on the field.