Bleacher Reconstruction Update - April 6

by Al Yellon on Apr 6, 2006 9:18 AM CDT in 2005-06 Bleacher Reconstruction Project

One day to go -- and the job's pretty much finished. The new bleachers will be ready to open, and I congratulate the construction crew on a job well done.

It remains to be seen, of course, how it will look and feel inside to those of us who will be watching the games from there.

The timeline has also been updated.

Among other team notes, Jerome Williams will change his uniform number from 32 to 57. Players, a superstitious lot, often do this to try to change their luck. The last Cub to do this during a season was Henry Blanco, last year. He proceeded to go on a hitting tear.

I'm in favor of this move mainly because of the record of the last player before Williams to wear #32.

BCB housekeeping note: I have fixed the threading problem that used to occur when there are more than 200 comments on a post.

Top: bleacher entrance area. Vendor carts now going into position; this is an access gate that was open, just west of the bleacher entrance, on Waveland Ave. There is a new food concession stand, under left center field, on the ground floor; another photo, of the scene in the previous photo. The structure above the food counter is the new center field TV camera shack. Also note the sign for the women's room; a side view of the new elevator.

Middle: view of the new left field corner stairwell, being spiffed up; blurry photo, of the back, of the left field bleachers. Are those television monitors, mounted behind the seating area?; wide view of the bleacher entrance. Note the concession carts now in the new patio area; the new position of the beer shack. The top of the shack is visible, just to the left of the Sheffield Ave.street sign.

Bottom: view inside the Waveland Ave.wall, looking west; view underneath the new bleacher box seating area, in the right field corner; view of the "knothole" gate, also underneath the new bleacher box seating area, in the right field corner. Note that screens have now been attached to the interior fence, that faces the playing field; view inside the Sheffield Ave.wall, looking north.

Photos by David Sameshima

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Comments

Except for the Bud Light

sign, it looks nice.

by TR on Apr 6, 2006 9:22 AM CDT reply actions

wow

I am actually excited to see all this, sans signs. Not that I have a clue when that will be but...

Anybody see Farns give up a bases clearing, 3 run double last night to the Big Hurt? Th more things change...

by mike bornemann @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 6, 2006 9:36 AM CDT reply actions

32 to 57

Not sure if Williams is changing from bad to worse. Hawkins wore 32, but Antonio Alfonseca was the last to wear 57.

by 08 Cubs on Apr 6, 2006 9:41 AM CDT reply actions

Nice!

I'm suprised on the wide angle shot of the bleachers how seamless the whole thing looks. The past few renovations have been done really well and this is no exception. Really, really impressed! I'm going down there for lunch today to take a look and snap some shots of it.

by cubbiechris on Apr 6, 2006 9:43 AM CDT reply actions

32 to 57

This is what it comes down to for Williams? Hoping a uni-change will bring some good luck. Oh brother!

by cubbiechris on Apr 6, 2006 9:44 AM CDT reply actions

For what it is worth...

... Williams wore 57 with the Giants. My guess is that since he was traded for Latroy, they probably just stuck him with the number and the jerseys last season and he finally decided to change back.

Goodbye Corey. May Eric be nothing like you.

by Ross on Apr 6, 2006 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions

Thx for the Pics all year

great job Al

by Weesh187 on Apr 6, 2006 9:46 AM CDT reply actions

the only thing

i'd wish they would do is freshen up the older parts of the bleachers a little bit. in the picture that shows the bud light sign, the new addition really stands out against some of the rust and peeling paint.

Rooney: "What's the score?" Cook: "Nothin'-nothin'" Rooney: "Who's winning?" Cook: "The Bears"

by CubMU on Apr 6, 2006 10:21 AM CDT reply actions

the rust

yes, especially that long rusty strip of steel that runs along the top of the bleacher entrance right below the "CUBS" sign. it's been like that for years! what, is that the part of the park that has landmark status and can't be touched? good grief.

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Apr 6, 2006 2:30 PM CDT up reply actions

you're

right. it probably shouldn't bother me but...

Rooney: "What's the score?" Cook: "Nothin'-nothin'" Rooney: "Who's winning?" Cook: "The Bears"

by CubMU on Apr 6, 2006 4:06 PM CDT up reply actions

Amazing shots...

thanks again.

Rumor has it you get a preview today???

by bison on Apr 6, 2006 10:25 AM CDT reply actions

SHHHH!

Don't ruin the surprise!

by Al Yellon on Apr 6, 2006 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions

Ah ha

So what's the scoop here Al?

by ontheuptick on Apr 6, 2006 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions

You will all..

... find out tonight.

by Al Yellon on Apr 6, 2006 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions

I love surprises!

I'm curious, and I want to know what it is now. But I guess I can wait.

Cubbie Blue always sPaRkLes in my eyes.

by sparkles721 on Apr 6, 2006 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions

Let's forget for a moment

that the Bud Light sign actually says "Bud Light." What bothers me more than anything is the design. I understand that this is the Bud Light logo, but its sleek design completely clashes with the classic look of Wrigley's exterior.

This may seem unreasonable, but couldn't they have come up with a different design? Something other than sleek metallic set against the red brick and ivy-green gates? It looks like it doesn't belong. It looks tacked on. It looks...well, it looks greedy, like a contract was signed in haste without any consideration of the aesthetics of the sponsorship. What's next, the Mary Kay upper deck?

Perhaps this shouldn't bother me as much as it does. Oh well.

by Short4Fanatic on Apr 6, 2006 10:49 AM CDT reply actions

Good call

I'd think the general bleacherite would be proud to be sponsored by a beer. (Although it should absolutely 100% be Old Style -- that would even make a better bleacher name).
But the sign should be more in tune with the aesthetic.

"Respect the game above all else." - Ryne Sandberg, July 31, 2005, Cooperstown, NY

by Tom @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 6, 2006 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions

Good Call...

... isn't that Miller's line?

Be carefull, the corporate powers-that-be might revoke your bleacher seats.

she

by Sarah Hope on Apr 6, 2006 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions

I totally disagree..

I think the "sleek" sign looks fabulous. Great design.

by ontheuptick on Apr 6, 2006 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions

Certainly better...

...than the sheet metal on the old facade, ja?

by Wahkeenah on Apr 6, 2006 6:55 PM CDT up reply actions

Hey Short4

I don't think it clashes at all. I think it goes well with the elevators in back of it. As for sponsorship? Every stadium has Billboards all over the place and jumbo-trons spouting out advirtisement every 10 second. I would rather have them name the bleachers then put billboards in the outfield.

by cubbiechris on Apr 6, 2006 10:55 AM CDT reply actions

true, no outfield ads

are a welcome, unique touch. But look at the old, blue Chicago Cubs sign above the Bud Light sign. Just doesn't look right to me.

by Short4Fanatic on Apr 6, 2006 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions

It's no worse than...

...the late Harry Caray and his "I'm a Cub fan and Bud man" ads in the 1980s. I am old enough to remember Harry's days with that team 300 miles south-southeast of Chicago, and his baiting of the Cubs in the 60s still sticks with me, even if he did re-invent himself as a Chicago icon.

by Wahkeenah on Apr 6, 2006 7:00 PM CDT up reply actions

Rust and wear

I sure hope they don't wait too long to paint the rusting portions of the old bleachers. Or to spruce up the Wrigley Field sign. Kind of embarrassing to have everything new with the old and worn sticking out like a sore thumb.

by cubz1963 on Apr 6, 2006 12:30 PM CDT reply actions

GREAT pics!!

I know many have said it, but here's one more huge "THANKS" to the photographer and blog-meister for bringing us these pics all off-season.

I get pumped every time I see them, and doubly so w/ the pics from the last two days.

It'll be late May b4 I get up to a game, I can hardly wait!

btw, I don't have any problem w/ the BudLight Bleachers. It's a necesary evil of the times. Plus, I enjoy a nice cold Bud Light on occasion - who am I to complain?

"At the end of the day, don't tell me how rough the waters are... just get the ship into port." - Stoney

by BCurt10 on Apr 6, 2006 12:42 PM CDT reply actions

Don't look now

but the Brewers are 3-0. Lending creedence to my off-season fear that they could run away with the NL Central this year.

Dang.

"Aw, how could he lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico!"--Harry Caray

by cubbiejulie on Apr 6, 2006 12:45 PM CDT reply actions

You can't be serious here...

... 3-0 has you convinced?

History: The 1987 Brewers started 13-0. They finished third, seven games out.

by Al Yellon on Apr 6, 2006 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions

Not just the 3-0

but a far stronger team and a good start. I didn't say I think they will definitively win the division, I'm just saying that I am a little afraid that they will.

"Aw, how could he lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico!"--Harry Caray

by cubbiejulie on Apr 6, 2006 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions

3-0...

... doesn't mean a thing. Keep in mind they were playing the Pirates.

by Al Yellon on Apr 6, 2006 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions

and we're playing the reds

but we're 1-1.

by mike bornemann @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 6, 2006 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions

Reds-Pirates

The Reds staff is not good and their pen is horrid, however they have been and will continue to be one of the better hitting teams in the NL.

DmL

by dmlichte on Apr 6, 2006 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions

understandable

but they are still the reds, and us not being able to beat them consistently didn't start yesterday. Good teams beat the teams they are supossed to.

by mike bornemann @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 6, 2006 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions

My particular favorite is when...

we lose miserably to the Reds and go on to sweep the Cardinals. Makes you shake your head.

I've shaken myself retarded in the past over this.

she

by Sarah Hope on Apr 6, 2006 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions

Good teams beat the teams...

...they're supposed to MORE THAN NOT. But in this sport, ANY team can lose games here and there to inferior opponents.

Never saw the Yankees or BoSox go 17-0 against the Devil rays yet.

I am AMAZED at how much so many on this site are over-reacting to game #2 out of 162. There were actually people in the game thread yesterday that were convinced the SEASON was as good as over... in the 5th inning! Hell, the GAME wasn't even over!

It's like everyone has forgotten the nature of MLB and a 162 game season.

"At the end of the day, don't tell me how rough the waters are... just get the ship into port." - Stoney

by BCurt10 on Apr 6, 2006 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions

didn't say it was over

would i think they were a better team if they played a sound game yesterday instead of reverting back to everything they've been the last two years? Definately. The best way to shwo your not a .500 or worse team is to look strong, they didn't. How many people were talking monday-tuesday about about what good small ball and speed they were showing? The one game theory works both ways.

by mike bornemann @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 6, 2006 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions

Works both ways.

Indeed it does. There weren't nearly as many touting a new philosophy after game 1 as there were predicting failure during and after game 2 - from what I saw.

Either way, it's just silly.

Just as silly as expecting the Cubs to beat the Reds in EVERY game they play this year.

"Good teams beat the teams they're supposed to."

"At the end of the day, don't tell me how rough the waters are... just get the ship into port." - Stoney

by BCurt10 on Apr 6, 2006 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions

every game, sure

a two game series, not at all.

by mike bornemann @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 6, 2006 2:26 PM CDT up reply actions

So....

Which particular games will it be okay for the Cubs to lose to the Reds?

"At the end of the day, don't tell me how rough the waters are... just get the ship into port." - Stoney

by BCurt10 on Apr 6, 2006 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions

give me a break

honestly, is it really all that much to ask for a good start out of the gate against an inferior team? I don't think it is, I guess I am hoping for much.

by mike bornemann @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 6, 2006 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions

One break, coming right up.

I'm not trying to attack you and certainly don't think it's crazy to hope for a good start. But a good start is not yet out of reach!

I am just trying to point out that, during the course of the season, we're gonna lose a LOT of games. Even if, by some miracle, this turns out to be the best Cub team of my life time, we're gonna lose around 60 games! And in those (at least) 60 games, there will be plays here and there that will make professional baseball players look like little-leaguers, lazy-asses, and/or idiots.

Those individual plays, and those individual games don't necessarily mean those players and the team are horrible. It's just how baseball is.

Now if bad things consistantly happen involving the same players (or the whole team) over a long stretch, then THAT will be a pretty good indication. But there is NO POSSIBLE WAY we can tell that after 2 games. We won't be able to tell that after 20 games either. (Unless Rusch gets pounded every time from now till then.)

Mike, you are not even close to being among the most negative people on this site. I've only found this particular thread to express my annoyance at all the folks predicting doom and gloom 1/2 way through the 2nd game of the damn year.

Let's give the team a chance to show us who they really are b4 we write them off as the "same ole Cubs." (A phrase that just drives me NUTS when Cards/Reds fans use it.)

"At the end of the day, don't tell me how rough the waters are... just get the ship into port." - Stoney

by BCurt10 on Apr 6, 2006 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions

Look at it this way...

if the Cubs play .500 ball on the road, I'll take my chances.

One day, the dream will come true.

by brianp88 on Apr 6, 2006 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions

Yes,

I read somewhere that all the Reds have to do to be a winning team this year is outhit all of the other teams... oh yeah, they did that last year...

The Reds are just an itch we can't scratch for some reason.

she

by Sarah Hope on Apr 6, 2006 1:42 PM CDT up reply actions

I like the fact

That they're 3-0 despite Sheets being inured and one of their key players, Prince Fielder, starting the season 1-12 with 7 ks.

I still think the Brewers are one year away from serious contention, but they're a very fun team to watch. They sould finish ahead of the Cubs.

"You're born with two strikes against you, so don't take a third one on your own." - Connie Mack

by VS on Apr 6, 2006 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions

WAY too early

to get worried about the standings -- but i would note that, much more important than being behind a game and a half is being behind FOUR teams.

it's easy to make up ground on one team. much harder to make it up on four, because odds are one of them is going to win more games than you are -- over the next week, next month and the next six months.

by gaius marius on Apr 7, 2006 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions

Well

Didn't meant to start a huge controversy, I just wanted to point out that the Brew Crew is off to a good start and that I think they are going to be tough this year.

I'm not sayin', i'm just sayin'.

"Aw, how could he lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico!"--Harry Caray

by cubbiejulie on Apr 6, 2006 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions

Hahahaha,

Backpedal, Julie. Backpedal! :)

she

by Sarah Hope on Apr 6, 2006 3:00 PM CDT up reply actions

Allow me to 'splain

Dear BCB friends,

I think the Brewers are good. So far, they look better than us. They are 3-0. That is scary. We are 1-1 and Rusch ain't looking so good.

Love,
Julie

"Aw, how could he lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico!"--Harry Caray

by cubbiejulie on Apr 6, 2006 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions

And...

... "baseball is a marathon, not a sprint."

Relax. It's THREE GAMES! (Two, in our case.)

by Al Yellon on Apr 6, 2006 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions

I don't need to relax

because I'm not freaking out. All I was saying was "Damn, Milwaukee is off to a good start."

That's all I meant, seriously.

"Aw, how could he lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico!"--Harry Caray

by cubbiejulie on Apr 6, 2006 3:30 PM CDT up reply actions

Whoa

I think people might be a touch defensive around here.
Maybe you should lay low in Napertopia for a couple days, Julie. (How's the head where I stomped on it a few days ago on the train platform?)
I think you must sit closer to the "engine" end of the train. I'm always in one of the first two cars at the opposite end of the train ... been wearing my road cap, but you haven't flagged me down yet . . .

"Respect the game above all else." - Ryne Sandberg, July 31, 2005, Cooperstown, NY

by Tom @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 6, 2006 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions

Seriously, you guys

this is one of those threads where what we are typing is not coming off how we mean it, I think.

I'm laughing over this, but I can see how it might sound like I'm being defensive and touchy. I'm really not.

Honestly, I'm not freaked out. I don't think it's over, I don't know who is going to win the division.

I grew up near the WI state line, and it was a lot faster for us to get to County Stadium than Wrigley--and cheaper. So when we didn't have Cubs tickets, we would drive up there to watch the Crew. I also lived really close to their minor league team, the Beloit Brewers, and spent many a weekend hanging out at Telfer Park.

So I've always been interested in the Brewers and cheered for them until they came into the National League.

I thought they had a chance to be pretty good this year, and now they are off to a 3-0 start. They might go 0-25 in their next 25 games. I know that. They just looked tough in ST against the White Sox, and they are off to a good start.

That was all I meant, really.

Hope no one took offense.

"Aw, how could he lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico!"--Harry Caray

by cubbiejulie on Apr 6, 2006 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions

And . . .

I meant that THEY were getting defensive about the Cubs, not YOU were getting defensive about your post.
Aaarrrghhhh . . . we're drowning . .

"Respect the game above all else." - Ryne Sandberg, July 31, 2005, Cooperstown, NY

by Tom @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 6, 2006 3:49 PM CDT up reply actions

lol

backpedal, backpedal

she

by Sarah Hope on Apr 6, 2006 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions

uh oh...

Must...fight...urge...to...be...defensive...about...being defensive...

Damn, too late.

"At the end of the day, don't tell me how rough the waters are... just get the ship into port." - Stoney

by BCurt10 on Apr 6, 2006 3:56 PM CDT up reply actions

Maybe . . .

someone should say something to Michael Barrett to make HIM get defensive!

(ba dum bum).
Thank you, I'll be here all week.

"Respect the game above all else." - Ryne Sandberg, July 31, 2005, Cooperstown, NY

by Tom @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 6, 2006 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions

LOL!!

n/t

"Aw, how could he lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico!"--Harry Caray

by cubbiejulie on Apr 6, 2006 5:09 PM CDT up reply actions

julie

i just don't understand why you're ready to anoit the Brewers as World Series champs, and why you think the Cubs are already done, that's all.

by tomas21 on Apr 6, 2006 5:35 PM CDT up reply actions

just kidding

by tomas21 on Apr 6, 2006 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions

However...

...one guy on ESPN's Sports Reporters was predicting the Brewers could be this year's White Sox. d:\

by Wahkeenah on Apr 6, 2006 7:04 PM CDT up reply actions

LOL!!!!!

I don't know. . .just a feeling. If only I could relax. . . .

;)

"Aw, how could he lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico!"--Harry Caray

by cubbiejulie on Apr 6, 2006 9:02 PM CDT up reply actions

I meant to tell you

i've been on the early and late trains lately, getting ready for a big trial in 2 weeks. Plus, there are tons of guys on the train in Cubs hats, you are going to have to be a little more specfic about yours!

"Aw, how could he lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico!"--Harry Caray

by cubbiejulie on Apr 6, 2006 5:10 PM CDT up reply actions

naperville?

ugh

by mike bornemann @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 6, 2006 6:28 PM CDT up reply actions

Excuse me

We prefer "Napertopia". =)

"Respect the game above all else." - Ryne Sandberg, July 31, 2005, Cooperstown, NY

by Tom @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 6, 2006 7:49 PM CDT up reply actions

interesting

we call it yuppiville. while we drink at your bars.

by mike bornemann @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 6, 2006 7:51 PM CDT up reply actions

Hey!

I wasn't always this way. I lived in Lincoln Park and Wrigleyville for a long time before I wound up out here.

That said, if you have to suffer the western 'burbs, Naperville is the place to be.

"Aw, how could he lose the ball in the sun, he's from Mexico!"--Harry Caray

by cubbiejulie on Apr 6, 2006 9:03 PM CDT up reply actions

Relax?

Relax? I thought your mantra was Patience.

Hey Chicago What Do You Say, The Cubs Are Gonna Win Today!

by Andy @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 6, 2006 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions

They go hand in hand

n/t

she

by Sarah Hope on Apr 6, 2006 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions

All the games we're going to

this year are Brewer/Cubs games. We love Miller Park and of course, Wrigley Field. Now we can look forward to real meaning in the compewtition between the two teams, too. Don't rule the Cubs (or the Brewers) out this year. Yet.

by teacher tom on Apr 6, 2006 2:06 PM CDT reply actions

Don't forget

the Sausage race. What a gas! (all puns intended)

she

by Sarah Hope on Apr 6, 2006 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions

Iowa cubs video available this season

I just noticed on milb.com that Iowa Cubs games are going to be available online this season. They originally had today's game like it was going to be available but have since taken the option down. I assume they are ironing some new technology out.

I am pretty excited about this. Pie, Guzman, Hill... I wish they gave access to every team though.

by JonH on Apr 6, 2006 2:25 PM CDT reply actions

Old bleacher entrance

Al, I know you've done this before, and I apologize for the repetition (I couldn't find one in the timeline) ..
Can you post a pre-construction shot of the old bleacher entrance, taken from across the street?
It would be great to see the wide shot side-by-side with the new one.
The "Bud Light Bleachers" sign is jarring, but I think putting the two next to one another will really emphasize how beautiful the new entrance is, with the green metalwork and all.
Just a thought.

"Respect the game above all else." - Ryne Sandberg, July 31, 2005, Cooperstown, NY

by Tom @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 6, 2006 2:38 PM CDT reply actions

Here....

... are two of the photos you're looking for:

Photo 1

Photo 2

by Al Yellon on Apr 6, 2006 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions

Thanks, Al!

I was thinking more along the lines of picture G in the new series (top of this post) - middle row, third across.
From across the intersection - a full shot of the entire entrance - from the top of the scoreboard to street level.
Do you have anything like that?
Don't stress over it, though. I appreciate that you took the time to find (and post) those!
Thx.

"Respect the game above all else." - Ryne Sandberg, July 31, 2005, Cooperstown, NY

by Tom @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 6, 2006 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions

I don't have...

... a photo like that, at least not one that I can find without a huge search.

by Al Yellon on Apr 6, 2006 4:15 PM CDT up reply actions

How about this one

I took this one in 2003

http://i2.tinypic.com/t65rnq.jpg

Kasey

by kaseyi on Apr 6, 2006 4:26 PM CDT up reply actions

Thanks!

Have to say . . I think it looks better now.

"Respect the game above all else." - Ryne Sandberg, July 31, 2005, Cooperstown, NY

by Tom @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 6, 2006 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions

Wow

The new bleacher entrance is a great improvement over the old one!

by deansanta on Apr 6, 2006 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions

My plan

Is to print off some of the BEFORE pictures and bring them with me to my first game this year.

Then, I'll repeat over and over, "This is SOOOOO different!" and "I can't believe how different it is!" until one of my friends threatens to throw me off the new patio.

"At the end of the day, don't tell me how rough the waters are... just get the ship into port." - Stoney

by BCurt10 on Apr 6, 2006 3:38 PM CDT up reply actions

Hey Al

You made the San Francisco Chronicle. Or at least this website did.

Baseball can be summed up in one word--you never know--Joaquin Andujar

by Josh Timmers on Apr 6, 2006 3:57 PM CDT reply actions

Ha!

We're one above the Sox.

she

by Sarah Hope on Apr 6, 2006 3:59 PM CDT up reply actions

I actually saw that....

... thanks for posting it!

by Al Yellon on Apr 6, 2006 4:15 PM CDT up reply actions

Thanks, Al!

I hated the way the comments threaded.

It all looks good. This weekend should be interesting and fun.

Cubbie Blue always sPaRkLes in my eyes.

by sparkles721 on Apr 6, 2006 4:32 PM CDT reply actions

New Pictures

WGN has already posted pictures of the inside from the media tour today on their blog:
http://wgntv.trb.com/sports/baseball/cubs/wgntv-sports-040606-cubsgallery,0,7294415.photogallery?ind ex=1

Of note is this: "Contrary to some reports, the knothole in right field is accessible to fans off the street. The netting in front is designed to make the area more pleasing to the eye from inside, while allowing fans on the outside a view of the field."

by cubsscoop on Apr 6, 2006 4:45 PM CDT reply actions

I have to admit....

it looks like they did a pretty good job. The bleachers look great. I can't wait to get up there for the Detroit game to see it firsthand.

by cubfanindy on Apr 6, 2006 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions

couple things

i don't see how they think the ivy on the exterior wall will survive. i think cubs fans will yank out plants as a souvenier like it was jim morrison's grave or something. and whoever the sox fans were that killed the ivy 2 years ago will have a much easier time killing ivy outside the stadium.
do the benches not match? it looks like they don't but i could be looking at it wrong.
i personally would not want to sit in that batters eye suite. what's the point of being that far away from the action AND being inside? it doesn't look like the glass opens.
overall, i think the work don makes the bleachers look a lot newer/fresher while preserving the integrity of the stadium. i guess i agree about the bud light sign looking a little mismatched, but it doesn't really bother me.

by tomas21 on Apr 6, 2006 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions

Yep.

And another thing I wonder about... a glass window under a little roof in center field? In the 1940s they tried putting a canopy over the center field area to allow fans to sit there in shade, which didn't work. In the 60s they put a screen atop the wall, and the players hated it ("Whitlow's Wall"). I wonder how long it will be before a batter gets bonked in the head from losing sight of a pitch?

by Wahkeenah on Apr 6, 2006 7:11 PM CDT up reply actions

Never happen

That batters eye window is very carefully designed to be completely non-reflective from the plate. Cincinnati has the same thing.

"Respect the game above all else." - Ryne Sandberg, July 31, 2005, Cooperstown, NY

by Tom @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 6, 2006 7:50 PM CDT up reply actions

Why can't we all just get along?

This is what happens when there's no game...

by Sidd Finch @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 6, 2006 7:28 PM CDT reply actions

Great Pictures...

Thanks a ton Al, et. al.!

And speaking of painting those ugly steel beams, do the Cubs ever repaint the scoreboard itself? The fading patches of green look incredibly nasty. A new coat of forest green would be quite welcome!

Dirka. Dirka dirka. Muhammed jihad.

by Goat Whisperer on Apr 6, 2006 8:06 PM CDT reply actions

I think...

...after the 2002 season it was repainted. I remember Dusty walking around Wrigley when he was introduced the scoreboard was all apart, being repainted. So yes it does get a paint job.

by stadiumguru on Apr 6, 2006 8:32 PM CDT up reply actions

Yes it does...

...now and then, as the above writer noted. In fact, at one time, decades ago, it was more of a reddish color, as were the doors and gates on the wall. Who knows why. In the early 1980s, the doors were painted blue for awhile, which didn't work at all. But now everything is more of a green motif, which is much better.

by Wahkeenah on Apr 6, 2006 10:58 PM CDT up reply actions

One of the more famous repaint jobs...

was after the scoreboard was on the cover of SI in 1987 It looked awful, and it was repainted soon after.

Does anyone recall if that was when they removed the matching orange lines indictating the SOX game-in-progress, and started referring to them as Chicago instead of SOX?

by bison on Apr 6, 2006 11:38 PM CDT up reply actions