“The Cubs have been approached by at least three companies interested in purchasing naming rights to Wrigley Field, and team chairman Crane Kenney said on Friday that it is likely they will sell those rights.”
So opens Carrie Muskat’s article on MLB.com. The article continues with Chicago’s mayor Richard Daley’s suggestion that Wrigley Field could be bought and operated by the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority. Basically, the ISFA is a government entity that builds and renovates sports stadiums in Illinois. It also happens to operate U.S. Cellular Field.
Ok, so here’s where the kicker comes in. If Wrigley Field is purchased and operated by ISFA (which won’t have an effect on the naming rights) then the stadium will get anywhere from a $250-$400 million dollar renovation. Where as The Cubs would have to play a part of their season at U.S. Cellular Field. Woah, wait! Are you kidding me? Not sure that either Sider (South or North) is going to be too pleased if that’s the case.
What the Tribune says.
What the Sun-Times says.
And what Chicagoist says.