Cubs To Open Left Field Bleachers At Wrigley On Monday
Updated 05/05/15 - 11:13 a.m.
CHICAGO (CBS) -- When the Cubs return to Wrigley Field to face the Mets next Monday, the left field bleachers will be open for the first time since the team started its stadium renovations last fall.
Construction is still in full-swing at Wrigley, with cranes and drills still hard at work finishing the right field bleachers, and a second video board above, but come Monday night, fans will see another change: the left field bleachers will be open for the first time this season.
Some sections will be marked off to keep fans out as work continues underneath the bleachers during games, but all left field bleacher seats will be open for business. Even better for fans, after the nightmarish bathroom conditions on Opening Day, all bleacher section bathrooms will be open.
The Well is the first two rows of bleachers above the left field wall, a standing-room only section, for groups of 15 to 50 fans. Tickets for The Well generally cost about 20 percent more than the average price, and the Cubs have said it's a great choice for bachelor parties or other group outings.
The Porch is located right under the new left field video board, and fits up to 100 fans who will get plenty of shade from the 3,990-square foot screen. The space is ideal for corporate outings.
A similar area in the right field bleachers will be available for fans when the right field seats open in June.
"It was important to create this space for our fans, because this is what they asked for," said Cubs vice president of sales and partnerships Colin Faulkner. "Our fans said we want these large spaces where we can host bigger groups, and experience the famous Budweiser Bleachers, but in larger group setting but still amongst the fans."
In all, the renovations at Wrigley should add about 500 new bleacher seats, offsetting lost seats elsewhere in the stadium. Ticket prices in the new bleacher sections vary. They go for $22 to $115 for group outings in the standing-room sections, depending on the package; or $17 to $65 for basic bleacher seats.
In the meantime, work continues to install a new 2,250-square-foot video board in right field to accompany the 3,990-square-foot board in left field. It should be ready about a month ahead of schedule and in operation by June.
Another new feature is the Platform 14, a new concession area located behind the hand-operated scoreboard in center field. It offers more food and beverage options, and a wider walkway for fans. It is scheduled to open in July, when the entire Budweiser Bleachers project should be complete.