THE CHICAGO IL REAL ESTATE MARKET, AND OTHER THINGS CHICAGO, FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF A LITTLE WHITE DOG!
But now, it appears the previously-sacrosanct, unwritten rule of limiting advertising within Wrigley Field itself is going by the proverbial boards. Over the last few years, LCD Advertising Panels have been erected under the upper deck, and under the historic center field scoreboard. Years before that, extensive advertising was added in the main concourse under the stands.
Under Armor has been sponsor of the Outfield Wall Doors for a couple of years now. Heck, there are no more "Wrigley Field Bleachers" anymore! They are now the Bud Light Bleachers, with that sponsorship deal being signed after the Wrigley Outfield Seats were reconstructed in 2005.
Now, likely, in 2010, one more ox will be gored at Wrigley.
As reported by Chicago Tribune writers Ameet Sachdev and Blair Kamin, there's talk of constructing a 360 Square Foot Illuminated Toyota Sign behind the Left Field Bleachers. The sign would be bright Toyota Red, of course, and would be attached to the back wall of the bleachers.
Although ad signs have been visible to Wrigley Field Fans for decades, painted signage has always been limited to several buildings across the street from the ballpark, on Sheffield and Waveland Avenues. WGN-TV, Miller Beer, Horseshoe Casino, and, years ago, Baby Ruth Candy Bars, as well as the long-defunct Ricketts Restaurant (no relationship to the Cubs New Owner). Never before has a large advertising sign been physically attached to the ballpark itself.
The Cubs' new owners, The Ricketts Family, claims they want to preserve Wrigley Field, but want to identify new sources of revenue that will make it easier for field a championship team, and, hopefully, end the Cubs 101 year old World Series drought.
Traditionalist fans, along with Chicago 44th Ward Alderman Tom Tunney, whose ward includes Wrigley Field, decry the change as a major structural and visual change to the old ballpark. Further, since Wrigley Field is the only Major League Ballpark designated with landmark status, the City of Chicago will have to approve any changes of this nature.
Other fans, mostly those younger, reluctantly conclude that such signage is necessary to allow the Chicago Cubs to become more competitive on a consistent basis, and should be approved.
The sign would rise 38 feet from street level from the back of the Left Field Bleachers on Waveland Avenue. The sign itself would be 16 feet high by 22.5 feet wide. Alderman Tunney wants to make sure the proposed sign does not block the view of the surrounding Lakeview Neighborhood from within the ballpark.
Although the Cubs would like to see the new Toyota sign in place by Opening Day, 2010 at Wrigley Field - Monday, March 12th - they concede that necessary city permits and approvals will not likely be in place by that time.
So, you dogs, I don't know. Tradition . . . or progress?
I might agree with the change, but to prove these kinds of "enhancements" will bring the Chicago Cubs a World Series title sooner - frankly, my little mind just can't make the connection.
My two cents, anyway!
See my post today via BlogChicagoHomes.com.
Enjoy the weekend - time to hit the park!
YOUR ACE REPORTER ON FOUR PAWS,
BUDDY HOLLY MOSS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
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