The Chicago Cubs are expected next month to approach the city's landmarks commission for permission to erect a new, 75-foot LED sign at Wrigley Field's right field -- the first of many renovations the team has in store for its home stadium.
The new sign, which will display game information such as "pitch count, photos of players and statistics," according to the Cubs' website, is part of the Budweiser Patio. With room for up to 150 people -- or three groups of 50 each -- the section will create a "rooftop-like" atmosphere, while still allowing game attendees to circulate, the team announced Saturday.
(Scroll down to watch a report on the Wrigley Field renovations.)
Though the team says the patio will not impact any of the field's landmark status features -- namely the ivy and the center field scoreboard -- the Cubs are preparing to meet with the City Council's Commission on Chicago Landmarks should the commission decide that the plan requires their approval, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Sources told the Sun-Times that Ald. Tom Tunney (44th), who previously opposed the Toyota sign installed about the left-field bleachers, does not plan to oppose the Budweiser Patio and its sign, which the Cubs hope to have completed in time for the 2012 season opener.
The Cubs said Saturday that the new patio, which also aims to improve the partially obstructed view in that part of the stadium's seating, is the first of a series of changes coming down the pike at Wrigley.
"Over the next three to five years you're going to see some dramatic changes in the real estate landscape of our organization," Crane Kenney, Cubs president of business operations, told Fox Chicago.
The Cubs also announced the introduction of dynamic pricing for bleachers seats this season, according to the Northwest Herald. The plan will reward fans who buy tickets early and will mean that ticket prices will increase as fewer tickets remain available.
As the New York Times reported last fall, the Cubs have had their eye on upgrading Wrigley, set to celebrate its 98th birthday in 2012, for some time -- and they have claimed that the high local amusement tax they pay means they will need state assistance to make the improvements they need to remain competitive with other teams' stadiums.
Given the state's current financial struggles, it does not appear likely that Springfield will be coming to Wrigley's aid anytime soon.
Correction: This story previously stated that Wrigley Field is turning 100 in 2012 -- instead, this year marks 98 years since the stadium was built.
WATCH the Cubs discuss their plans for Wrigley Field: