No word on expansion, night games

01/18/2004 

By Carrie Muskat / MLB.com

CHICAGO -- Cubs officials said they are no closer today than they were three years ago regarding their proposal to expand the bleachers at Wrigley Field.

The team also is waiting for the city to formally express its opinions regarding the Cubs' proposal to create a $1 million fund to address neighborhood concerns in their bid to add more home night games.

The issues were among those addressed Sunday during a "Meet Cubs Business Management" session at the 19th annual Cubs Convention.

Mark McGwire, executive vice president of business operations, stressed that any expansion done to the bleachers will preserve the ballpark's uniqueness but also improve the rest rooms and concession areas.

The Cubs currently have 18 night games on their home schedule but have proposed phasing in four more each year for a total of 30 by 2006. In return for more games, the Cubs have offered to provide free remote parking, to extend shuttle-bus service to weekend games and to create a fund to deal with the Wrigleyville neighborhood concerns.

The city had some concerns regarding the proposal. Cubs team president and CEO Andy MacPhail said Saturday that "two months have gone by and the city has yet to articulate what those concerns are." McGwire echoed that sentiment on Sunday.

The Cubs did release game times for the 2004 season at the convention, but that schedule is subject to change. A team official said the final schedule with times was expected this week.

In addition to no word on additional night games or the bleacher expansion project, McGwire said the landmarking issue regarding Wrigley Field also has yet to be resolved.

"We're patiently trying to work with the city," he said.

Ticket operations director Frank Maloney said the Cubs have experienced a "remarkable" surge in season-ticket sales and that the team is continually emphasizing the need to keep the park affordable. Individual-game tickets will go on sale on Feb. 27.

Carrie Muskat is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to approval by Major League Baseball or its clubs.