Wrigley Field to Finish Facade Improvements Ahead of April Opener

Though Wrigley Field may be cocooned beneath layers of plastic construction tarps, management has assured Chicagoans this week that work on the ballpark will be completed ahead of the Cubs’ April 11th home opener. While last year’s offseason saw dramatic improvements to Wrigley Field such as all new outfield bleachers and two large video boards, this season’s most notable upgrades will be to the players’ clubhouse and the 1914 structure’s historic facade.

Work on the park’s exterior is proceeded under the guidelines set forth by the Chicago Commission on Landmarks as well as the watchful eye of the National Park Service, which granted the Ricketts’ family federal historic preservation tax credits once the ballpark was awarded a spot on its coveted National Register of Historic Places. Wrigley’s iconic red marquee sign is set to return from restoration work on March 25th after nearly a half-year absence, according to Cubs business President Crane Kenney as reported by the Chicago Tribune.

In addition to the refurbished marquee, Wrigley’s exterior will also see the old chain-link fencing around its concourse levels replaced with new wrought iron detailing modeled on the park’s long-removed classic facade:

New this offseason: Wrought iron facade to match 1930’s Wrigley Field @Cubs #WrigleyField #Dandy pic.twitter.com/Y4QsBwTSR7

— Wrigley Field (@WrigleyBlog) March 4, 2016

·Cubs say Wrigley Field will be ready for home opener on April 11 [Chicago Tribune]

·Wrigley Field's Iconic Marquee to be Temporarily Removed [Curbed Chicago]

·Past Wrigley Field coverage [Curbed Chicago]