Cubs revise Wrigley Field bleacher expansion plan

February 25, 2002

CHICAGO -- A revised Wrigley Field bleacher expansion plan would scale back the number of seats and create a design on the outside of the park that is similar to the one inside.

Residents of the neighborhood surrounding the ballpark complained that the initial plan would be too intrusive.

"We've taken the suggestions of our neighbors, local aldermen, city officials and design experts and created a modest addition with a classic look that will help the area around the park look better year-round," said Mark McGuire, the Cubs' executive vice president of business operations.

The new design replicates Wrigley's ivy-covered walls on the exterior, adds brick sidewalks and an area where pedestrians can peer into the park through open fencing.

The Cubs said that representatives of Wrigleyville Neighbors, a group of more than 1,800 residents who live near the park, gave a positive review of the plan.

The original plan would have added 2,600 bleacher seats. The new one will add 2,100.

"This open, airy design is a huge improvement over what is there now," said Kurt Volkman, a representative of Wrigleyville Neighbors.

"It will be brighter, safer and more appealing and it won't cost taxpayers a dime."

The new plan was designed by HOK Sports, an architectural firm that also designed Camden Yards in Baltimore and Coors Field in Denver.

Last season, Wrigley Field's capacity was 39,111. Wrigley, which played host to its first game on April 23, 1914, is the second oldest park in the majors. Boston's Fenway Park opened two years earlier.

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