By Andy Ambrosius
More night and Friday afternoon games will soon be headed to Wrigley Field after the Chicago Cubs and neighborhood leaders made changes in court Tuesday to a long-standing ordinance.
The Neighborhood Protection Ordinance was passed in 2004 and outlines everything from trash pickup to traffic control in Wrigleyville. But as the Cubs gear up for their $500 million redevelopment, changes were made to officially allow the team to play at different times.
In the past, the Cubs were allowed to play 30 night games, but the new ordinance will allow for 35, in addition five more if required by Major League Baseball. That’s combined with Friday afternoon games starting at 3:05 p.m. as opposed to 1:20 p.m.
“I have listened to the community and fought for protections that will allow the Cubs and Lake View to prosper together,” Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) said in a statement. “Further neighborhood protections will be included when the Planned Development is approved, including: police staffing, free remote parking and significant contributions to our neighborhood infrastructure and green space.”
But the amendments didn’t come without compromise. The Cubs pushed for even more night games, saying the average in MLB is more than 50. Neighbors argued that no other stadium is sitting in a neighborhood quite like Wrigley Field in Lake View.
As a part of the compromise, the Cubs are still only allowed to play two of those night games on a Friday or Saturday night as not to hurt the area’s restaurant and entertainment districts. Friday games beginning at 3:05 p.m. will also be limited to six and revaluated next year. But Tunney says he thinks it will help local businesses.
“The long-standing limit on Friday and Saturday night games remains at no more than two per year. This will help our restaurants, theaters and other small businesses thrive on the busiest nights of the week,” he said. “The limited 3:05 p.m. start times on Friday will help boost attendance inside the ballpark and will assist our local businesses community.”
Concerts are not affected with the ordinance changes, as they’re seen as a benefit to the community.
“This is the first step in a series of measures to enhance the ballpark and its surroundings,” Tunney continued. “Our community looks forward tow orking with the Cubs as the process continues.”
The final step is for the City Council to vote and approve the changes Wednesday.
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