Levine: Cubs To Begin Wrigley Rehab
By Bruce Levine
(CBS) -- The long-awaited rehab of Wrigley field could begin as early as this weekend, according to Cubs spokesman Julian Green, who told reporters Tuesday that the first wave of the four-year reconstruction project will include the teardown and rebuilding of the bleachers.
The end result of the new bleacher construction will add 300 seats and higher stands in order to support and affix a new electronic video board over left field. Part of the new setting in the outfield will have a see-through Budweiser advertising sign in right field above the bleachers. This will also be a portion of this first phase of the rehab that should be completed before the beginning of the 2015 season.
The Cubs will prepare to have as many as seven advertising signs above the bleachers next season. Ownership plans on putting up signs only on a per-sale basis. The Budweiser sign is a part of an exclusive 10-year deal that the team and brewery agreed to in 2013. That contract is for signage and the sale of Anheuser-Busch products in the ballpark seating area for the next 10 years. Other brands of beer can be purchased in the concourse area only.
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.