Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts said Monday that the team plans to work with city officials to put together an attractive bid to host baseball's 2020 All-Star Game at Wrigley Field.
"Hopefully we'll be able to sit down with the city here over the next few months and iron out what it takes to be the leading bidder," Ricketts said during an appearance at a City Club of Chicago luncheon.
The Cubs last hosted the game in 1990.
Ricketts used the event to bask in the still-warm glow of the team's world championship and updated the crowd on ongoing construction at the ballpark and the surrounding area. The chairman joked that ballpark upgrades have slowed in recent years "because we can't get our crews in until November now, but we think that's a pretty fair trade."
Construction crews are working on a new Clark Street gate on the west side of the ballpark that will ease congestion at the main home plate entrance and new bullpens under the bleachers, relocated from their longtime place in foul territory. Ricketts said the bullpen relocation is primarily a safety issue.
"I'm going to miss watching players warm up ... where the bullpen was but not nearly as much as I would miss Kyle Schwarber if he tripped over one of those mounds and hurt himself," Ricketts said.
The chairman said the team has poured $600 million into Wrigley renovations. Much of that cost goes to steel, concrete, electrical and plumbing. A new sound system and the new American Airlines 1914 Club, located behind home plate, will be ready for Opening Day 2018.
Commissioner non-committal regarding Wrigley Field and 2020 All-Star Game Mark GonzalesCommissioner Rob Manfred wasn't as forthcoming Tuesday as Cubs officials were last month in expressing a desire for Wrigley Field to host the 2020 All-Star Game.
"I'm not going to get into specific years because there are a number of clubs … that have interest in particular years, and I don't want...
Commissioner Rob Manfred wasn't as forthcoming Tuesday as Cubs officials were last month in expressing a desire for Wrigley Field to host the 2020 All-Star Game.
"I'm not going to get into specific years because there are a number of clubs … that have interest in particular years, and I don't want...
(Mark Gonzales)Ricketts shared with the crowd that on the Monday after the Cubs won the World Series, he awoke at 3 a.m. after having a nightmare that the team actually lost Game 7.
He said that when he told his wife about it, she said, "You have postseason stress disorder."
Ricketts said the World Series trophy has traveled 16,000 miles since the team's championship, allowing more than 250,000 fans to see it.
After his speech, Ricketts met with reporters and was asked about the possibility of fan Steve Bartman making an appearance at Wrigley Field or throwing out a first pitch this season. Ricketts said he has not personally spoken with Bartman or his representatives but believes a Bartman appearance may be something that occurs in the future.
"I'm sure there will be a time and place for that," Ricketts said.
As for the All-Star Game, Ricketts said the Cubs are still looking into the logistics of what it would take to host, noting it involves essentially five days of festivals and events.
Cubs selling seats from Wrigley Field, starting at $799 Tim BannonIf you've ever enjoyed your seats at Wrigley Field so much that you wanted to take them home with you, now's your chance.
The Cubs are selling 2015 and 2016 seats removed from the ballpark during the ongoing renovations. Seats will be available as two-seat sets and will be authenticated with Major...
If you've ever enjoyed your seats at Wrigley Field so much that you wanted to take them home with you, now's your chance.
The Cubs are selling 2015 and 2016 seats removed from the ballpark during the ongoing renovations. Seats will be available as two-seat sets and will be authenticated with Major...
(Tim Bannon)Crane Kenney, the Cubs' business president, said in January that the team has been in contact with Mayor Rahm Emanuel's office and Major League Baseball regarding updates on Wrigley and the efforts to fulfill requirements to host the game.
Miami will have the 2017 All-Star Game, followed by Washington (2018) and Cleveland (2019).
poconnell@chicagotribune.com
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