Cubs Proposed LF Billboard Questioned By City Council
Fran Spielman writes in the Sun-Times:
The 75 foot high, 360 square foot billboard has raised the eyebrows of local Ald. Tom Tunney (44th). And it may not pass muster with the Commission on Historical Landmarks, which must decide whether new signage conforms with Wrigley's landmark designation.
5 months ago
Al Yellon
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Looks like City Hall wants some leverage...
…for a return favor or givebacks to the City at a later date.
Steve Swisher - 1976 NL All-Star Catcher
NOW Tunney raises an eyebrow?
Let’s see… the esteemed Alderman has pretty much been a pushover in previous negotiations with the Cubs on all things Wrigley. But now he raises an eyebrow? Makes me wonder if Gramatis has made any contributions to Tunney’s campaign over the years…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Mar 17, 2010 9:28 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
No.
I think the positioning is intended to block the view of the casino ad.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I understand the intention is to block that ad...
…just thought a by product might be blocked views from some rooftops.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
Exactly...
And I’m very surprised that it’s a Toyota sponsorship, as opposed to a Budweiser deal… with the history of the Budweiser/Casino roof conflict.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
75 feet high seems unlikely.
If its really 75 feet high, yet only 360 square feet, that’d leave less than 5 feet of width. I seriously doubt they are building a towering ad at 75 feet tall and 5 feet wide.
Chances are its really just going to obstruct the Horseshoe ad from the cameras behind home plate, which would put it rectangular. 10 × 36 is one of several standard sizes for billboards across the country and equals 360 square feet… perhaps the back of the bleachers is 65 feet tall, making the height at the TOP of the billboard 75.
Dum spiro spero... | Follow me on twitter or else: @andrewjstone.
by AndrewJStone on Mar 17, 2010 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Let's see some tasteful holographic projections at night to block out the rest of "Horseshoe."
Harry in the Sky for the 7th inning might keep a few third-rate celebrities out of the broadcast booth.
"Elder White! Look at the talent on those Cubs!" Harry Caray, KMOX Radio, 4/22/62
"And you have to wonder – What's the matter with Broglio?" Harry, KMOX, 5/24/64
Won't hurt anything
As long as it’s not an ad for Vagisil or Viagra . I think a lit up billboard would offer a fresh new perspective to Wrigley. Granted, its not TOO huge
"The more i practice, the luckier i seem to get" -Yogi Berra
I want a Jumbotron.
I know I’m the minority. And cut the organ music. It isn’t 1950.
2010 is OUR year.
I'm there with ya
Jumbotron would look great.
"The more i practice, the luckier i seem to get" -Yogi Berra
I dont like the idea of a jumbotron but
maybe they can make it look good. Hopefully.
by DunstontoSandbergtoGrace on Mar 17, 2010 1:00 PM CDT reply actions
What do you need a jumbotron for?
Just pay attention to the game and you won’t miss it the good plays. And if you’re that desperate for a replay, pull it up on your phone. MLB At Bat adds highlights really quickly after they happen.
Here in NY, we have the best jumbotron in the universe at Yankee Stadium, and it is distracting and significantly dulls the energy in the park. We all hate it.
Also – no jumbotron shows close plays or missed calls. There literally is no point to them.
Jumbotrons also give scores, stats and other info...
… that’s not readily available on the Wrigley boards.
That said, I liked the idea Crane Kenney & Tom Ricketts told me about in the interview I did — that they’re considering doing this via wifi/handhelds.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Jumbotrons
don’t dull the park, IMHO. At Wrigley it would be nice because sometimes we don’t get to see the full perspective of what happened on the play. Turn your head and you miss what happened.
It would NOT dull Wrigley. The same playoff type atmosphere we have at Wrigley would only increase. The fans are what make the park and I feel like a JumboTron would not only intensify the energy – it would provide more depth for Wrigley and ALSO build more revenue.
2010 is OUR year.
The scoreboard
I, for one, always have enjoyed the hand monitored scoreboard. Would it be possible to expand it sideways on both sides for scores for all games being played?
Currently, there are scores for six games in each league. What if the scoreboard expands for the two additional games in each league (I expect the AL to expand to 16 eventually) and a Jumbotron type screen is above that? You make it no higher than the existing scoreboard. The lights were added and are tastefully done. Maybe something could be done along the same lines.
Just a thought.
Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. -- George Santayana (1863-1952)
I wouldn't have a problem with that.
They may have some issues with how to construct such a structure, though. The existing infrastructure might not support it.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
It should be easier to implement...
…than dropping a twenty-plus ton MegaTron! board into the area. An admittedly casual glance suggests that they could expand it outward, and sink support pylons into the surrounding area.
For me, I think the biggest problem could be finding somebody with the skills to construct it such an addition/replacement.
"With Chance on first, and Evers on third,
Great things from the Cubs will soon be heard."
A great idea – it might look a little like a 21st century version of the old Comiskey scoreboard.
At last those concrete piers for the Chinese elms could be put to good use.
"Elder White! Look at the talent on those Cubs!" Harry Caray, KMOX Radio, 4/22/62
"And you have to wonder – What's the matter with Broglio?" Harry, KMOX, 5/24/64
Artist's conception of the illuminated Toyota sign
An updated Sun-Times story shows the illuminated and partially see-through sign that Toyota proposes sponsoring. It might also be useful in preventing any runaway Toyota’s headed south on Kenmore from jumping the bleacher’s wall. :^)
Ugh! that's horrible...
I hate strongly dislike Toyota
"Nady and his weak beard steps in" --Cubbie-Tim on Mar 12, 2010 9:53 PM
by cooliogirl47 on Mar 17, 2010 5:46 PM CDT up reply actions
I drive a Toyota.
But even if I didn’t, who cares? It’s a sign. Does not interfere with baseball.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
sorry Al...imagine all those beautiful pictures
we’ve been looking at all winter with that big red sign clashing with the blue of the sky and the green grass. NO NO NO
"Nady and his weak beard steps in" --Cubbie-Tim on Mar 12, 2010 9:53 PM
by cooliogirl47 on Mar 17, 2010 6:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Again...
… if it brings the Cubs new revenue, helping them to improve the team, I really don’t care about a sign.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I hope this doesnt sound like I'm trying to be a smart-a$$ (snarky?) for asking but....
do you have a limit on what you think is an acceptable change to WF? I can understand that some people have the whatever-it-takes way of thinking too. I’m just not there yet I guess. I want to be, but I’m not.
"Nady and his weak beard steps in" --Cubbie-Tim on Mar 12, 2010 9:53 PM
by cooliogirl47 on Mar 17, 2010 7:04 PM CDT up reply actions
please dont ban me, lol :)
"Nady and his weak beard steps in" --Cubbie-Tim on Mar 12, 2010 9:53 PM
by cooliogirl47 on Mar 17, 2010 7:06 PM CDT up reply actions
LOL
I won’t ban you, and it’s a reasonable question.
As long as the basic structure stays the same, with the bricks & ivy, the existing scoreboard — in other words, the general “look” of the park, I don’t have a big problem with changes. I wouldn’t want advertising rampant all over the place like it is at, say, Miller Park or Chase Field, but one sign? Two signs? Bring ’em on.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I still don't agree...
…that the advertising footprint within Wrigley needs to be expanded when digital billboards within the concourses could conceivably achieve the same results.
"With Chance on first, and Evers on third,
Great things from the Cubs will soon be heard."
How so?
Digital billboards within the concourses don’t appear on television.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
The advertiser...
…pays a premium for appearing on television. Sell a few more ads within the concourse to make up the difference. It shouldn’t be they hard to find people willing to advertise in Wrigley.
"With Chance on first, and Evers on third,
Great things from the Cubs will soon be heard."
I don't think there's any way they could make up enough $ by doing that.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I drive a Toyota too
Prius, love it. No fear in my eyes on the Edens last weekend.
But Toyota? Now? I’d just like to avoid any new Cubs jokes.
"On offense, your most precious possessions are your 27 outs" - Earl Weaver
by RiskyBusiness on Mar 18, 2010 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions
reminds me of the Citgo (?) one for Boston
Unofficial Self Appointed President of the Castro Blocker Fan Club
Absolutely appalling
Toyota is a band of crooks and thugs. The Cubs should not take their blood money, payroll be damned.
by bourbon_and_branch on Mar 17, 2010 6:04 PM CDT reply actions
wait..... take back what you said about the payroll....hurry
"Nady and his weak beard steps in" --Cubbie-Tim on Mar 12, 2010 9:53 PM
by cooliogirl47 on Mar 17, 2010 6:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Um...
… please keep thoughts like this off this site. Inappropriate.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
The Cubs should realize
… that this is Toyota’s way of taking attention from the bloodshed caused by its faulty designs.
If that gorgeous vista has to be wrecked, there are far better partners out there to work with.
by bourbon_and_branch on Mar 17, 2010 6:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Nonsense.
It’s a company advertising a product. If you have an axe to grind with Toyota, do it somewhere else.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Didn't realize
… that Toyota was a sacred cow around here.
It is laughable that the casino ad is considered low-brow but this abomination is welcomed.
Hopefully the alderman will save the Cubs from themselves.
by bourbon_and_branch on Mar 17, 2010 7:06 PM CDT up reply actions
It's no sacred cow.
But your criticism is over the top. What, did you have an accident in a Prius?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
You seriously think that Toyota is trying to sweep this under the rug??
They’ve paid tens of thousands for commercials noting the problem, and doing their best to rectify it. Obviously it has not gone as well as everyone had hoped, but are you really trying to say they’re leaving it as is on purpose? Move on, please.
More like sweeping it under the floormat.
They have engaged in an elaborate ruse to hide the fact that Toyota electronics are flawed. This is far from over, and that sign will do nothing but cause embarrassment as the summer rolls on.
Where is InBev in all this? Toyota’s encroachment would seem to dilute the value of the “Bud Light Bleachers.”
by bourbon_and_branch on Mar 18, 2010 5:36 AM CDT up reply actions
Take your vendetta against Toyota elsewhere.
This is a baseball blog.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Man,...
….and I was going to make a joke about how the cursed love company.
"With Chance on first, and Evers on third,
Great things from the Cubs will soon be heard."
Yeah! No Sh#t! I like the way you think!
"Nady and his weak beard steps in" --Cubbie-Tim on Mar 12, 2010 9:53 PM
by cooliogirl47 on Mar 17, 2010 8:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Hit sign, win Toyota.
"Elder White! Look at the talent on those Cubs!" Harry Caray, KMOX Radio, 4/22/62
"And you have to wonder – What's the matter with Broglio?" Harry, KMOX, 5/24/64
Just don't...
… drive it.
By the way, shouldn’t Toyota change its slogan from “Moving Forward” to, I don’t know, ANYTHING else?
"It's Spring Training. You know how many home runs Barry Bonds hit off me? One - in Spring Training." - Big Z
Neither can I. And also, ISWYDT.
Some men learn through what they read. Some men learn through what they're told. Some men have to piss on the railroad tracks. And some men keep on pissin'.
Not pretty.
I know the location has everything to do with the horseshoe ad, but it looks so… randomly placed.
Dum spiro spero... | Follow me on twitter or else: @andrewjstone.
I hear if a player hits the Toyota Sign
He gets a free Toyota Prius. Highway ready.
"On offense, your most precious possessions are your 27 outs" - Earl Weaver
by RiskyBusiness on Mar 18, 2010 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Onion is great
I had to laugh when I saw a picture of a big red Toyota sign imposed over the Wrigley bleachers. I did not see it attributed to anyone, but obviously it is from the Onion. Only they could come with the most garish, obtrusive, brightly colored sign to satirize the concept of more advertising at Wrigley. Using a non-American company that has recently become a symbol of corporate greed and incompetency was a nice additional touch.
Does anyone know which issue this was from? I would like to read the story – I bet it has corporate spokesman saying things like installing the sign was intended to improve the fan experience and that the sign subtly fits into the overall architecture of the park.
Hysterical.
by larbush on Mar 18, 2010 12:22 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
lol (nicely done)
"Nady and his weak beard steps in" --Cubbie-Tim on Mar 12, 2010 9:53 PM
by cooliogirl47 on Mar 18, 2010 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions
This is how an American institution does it right.
Ford has been in building cars in Chicago since 1924. That’s Chicago’s automaker.
It should be noted that this very park was the stage from which Wrigley donated steel intended for new lights to the war against evil. This act stands in stark contrast.
by bourbon_and_branch on Mar 18, 2010 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Political statements are not permitted on this site.
Do not do this again.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Just a side note...... for me the company Toyota doesnt have anything to do with me not liking this....
It could have been a big huge GM there and I would feel the same!
"Nady and his weak beard steps in" --Cubbie-Tim on Mar 12, 2010 9:53 PM
I hope this doesn;t doesn't effect Soriano at the plate...
He’ll be swinging to hit that sign every at bat.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
Would be nice see a design that incorporates Cubdom into it.
Maybe is has some neon ivy on it… or it’s a Harry’s glasses with a sponsorship on it. Just, something unique to add to the park, instead of just a logo.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
"minimal to no impact"
It’s the slippery slope .. and nothing except Chicago – heh – politics will stop it .
This will ultimately lead to a similar bit of corporate accomodation on the RF side.
Perfect symmetry would suggest that Ford be that source.
Or maybe Jewel/Osco.
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we shall go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
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