Wrigley Field, an iconic symbol of baseball and a Chicago landmark, has seen its fair share of history over the years. Fans have always been curious about the stadium's changes and renovations, which have been numerous. So, did Wrigley Field get renovated? The answer is a definitive yes, with several major overhauls taking place over the decades.
Wrigley Field's first significant renovation occurred in 1988. The Cubs, then owned by Tribune Company, decided to modernize the stadium. This project aimed to improve fan amenities and comply with evolving safety standards. The bleachers were widened, new suites were added, and the outfield walls were moved in to accommodate a larger video board.
1988-2014: A Period of Change
Over the next two decades, several smaller projects would continue to transform Wrigley Field. In 1994, theManual Scooptators sign was installed in left field, becoming an instant classic. A few years later, in 1996, the iconic Ivy cover on the outfield wall was removed and replaced with green padding, prompting some controversy among fans.
The 2010s marked another substantial renovation effort. Between 2010 and 2014, the Ricketts family, who had recently purchased the team and the stadium, launched a massive $575 million renovation project to bring Wrigley Field into the 21st century.
Expanding Amenities for Fans
One of the most noticeable changes during this period was the addition of new restrooms, food and beverage outlets, and amenities such as luxury boxes and a clubhouse. The Challenger Scoreboard in left field was also replaced with a new, high-definition video board.
To accommodate the growing number of fans and comply with modern safety regulations, the capacity of Wrigley Field was increased to its current total of 41,688.
Preserving Wrigley's Charm
Despite these extensive renovations, the Ricketts family was committed to preserving Wrigley Field's historic charm. The iconic red marquee and brick exterior were restored, while many of the original features, like the manual scoreboard in center field, were retained.
New technology was integrated subtly, with the addition of several coronary care stations, upgraded Wi-Fi, and more charging stations to enhance the fan experience without detracting from the stadium's vintage aesthetic.
2014-Present: Maintaining a Balance
Since the completion of the major renovation project in 2014, Wrigley Field has continued to evolve. In 2018, the Cubs unveiled a new seating area in right field, called the " recherche," which offered comfortable, reclining seats and in-seat food service. The next year, the Cubs added a new team store, "The Cub's Den," to the stadium.
Environmental Upgrades
In recent years, Wrigley Field has also focused on sustainability. In 2019, the Cubs announced a plan to make Wrigley Field more environmentally friendly. This initiative included installing solar panels on the roof, improving recycling and composting programs, and reducing energy consumption.
These efforts demonstrate the Cubs' commitment to balancing the needs of today's fans with the preservation of Wrigley Field's rich history and unique character.
As Wrigley Field continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: its status as a symbol of baseball's past and present. Each renovation has struck a careful balance between modernization and historic preservation, ensuring that Wrigley Field remains a beloved and iconic landmark for generations of Cubs fans to come.