Chicago, IL – In a move that has excited fans and surprised experts, Chicago Cubs owner Thomas S. Ricketts has officially announced a $15.3 million renovation of Wrigley Field. The goal is not simply to renovate the facility – it is to redefine the entire fan experience for a new era.
“Wrigley is more than just a ballpark, it is an icon. And we want it to be the world’s premier sports-entertainment venue,” Ricketts said at a press conference Monday morning.
FROM TRADITION TO HIGH-TECH
The project will include:
A smart sound and lighting system, creating 360-degree interactive effects around the field.
Upgraded seating and grandstands to “hybrid luxury” standards – combining comfort with unlimited views.
Restructured food court with more than 40 new booths from famous brands and local chefs.
Mobile application integrated with AI technology allows ordering food, buying tickets, and even “virtually interacting” with players after the match.
NOT JUST A BALLSTONE – BUT A COMPREHENSIVE EXPERIENCE
In addition to technological improvements, the project also put into operation a “Cubs Heritage Experience Zone” – where fans can interact with the team’s 148-year history through AR screens, digital artifacts, and even workshops on baseball culture.
“This will be a place where a 7-year-old boy brought to the field by his father for the first time, or an 87-year-old man who watched Ryne Sandberg play, will feel like he’s coming home,” said a team spokesman.
CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE AND EXPECTATIONS
The project is expected to begin at the end of the 2025 season and be completed before the 2027 season. During the renovation, the field will remain open for games, thanks to a flexible phased construction schedule.
According to experts, this project will take Wrigley Field beyond the title of “the second oldest ballpark in MLB” to become a leading destination for sports – tourism – culture in Chicago, on par with modern stadiums such as SoFi (Los Angeles) or Allegiant (Las Vegas).
FANS’ PRIDE
In Cubs fan groups, word of the project has been flying. One longtime fan wrote:
“I went to Wrigley Field with my dad in 1990. Now I’m taking my son to a new Wrigley Field where the past meets the future.”