Cubs Have Seating Contingency Plan If Renovation Is Delayed
By Bruce Levine-
(CBS) The Cubs will have news for their fan base next week at their annual convention.
The information will be in reference to and regarding possible early season bleacher seating relocation contingency plans at Wrigley Field. This move will only be necessary for early April home games, if delays continue on the ballpark restoration.
In November, president of business operations Crane Kenny told a group of bloggers during an informal invitation-only forum about the initial, general plan. Kenney told them that if the team wasn't finished with the bleacher renovation opening night on April 5, a short-term relocation plan may be put in place for season-ticket holders in that area.
The contingency plan would address the issue by moving bleacher season-ticket holders into other locations as a temporary measure. This would occur only if construction isn't completed on the bleachers in time to start the season.
The Cubs are still hopeful that the bleacher renovation that includes adding 300 new seats and upward of five outfield signs -- including two video boards -- will be completed on time. Weather issues as well as water pipes/water table snafus have backed up some progress at this juncture.
These contingency plans are being addressed in order for the Cubs to be proactive and transparent with their season-ticket holders.
The four-year renovation of the 101-year old ballpark will cost $375 million. The renovation and extending of the bleachers is the first phase of this complicated rehab plan.
The Cubs Convention runs from Jan. 16-18.
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
