Bleed Cubbie Blue: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:

Bleacher Reconstruction Update - April 6

Yelloncard_tiny by Al on 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

0 recs | Comment 97 comments

Story-email Email | Print |

Comments

Display:

Except for the Bud Light
sign, it looks nice.  

by TR on Apr 6, 2006 9:22 AM CDT   0 recs

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 on Apr 6, 2006 9:36 AM CDT   0 recs

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   0 recs

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   0 recs

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   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

Thx for the Pics all year
great job Al

by Weesh187 on Apr 6, 2006 9:46 AM CDT   0 recs

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   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

Amazing shots...
thanks again.

Rumor has it you get a preview today???

by bison on Apr 6, 2006 10:25 AM CDT   0 recs

SHHHH!
Don't ruin the surprise!

by Al on Apr 6, 2006 11:32 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Ah ha
So what's the scoop here Al?

by ontheuptick on Apr 6, 2006 12:28 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

You will all..
... find out tonight.

by Al on Apr 6, 2006 12:52 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

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   0 recs

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 on Apr 6, 2006 10:59 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

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

by ontheuptick on Apr 6, 2006 12:27 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

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

by Wahkeenah on Apr 6, 2006 6:55 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

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   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

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   0 recs

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   0 recs

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   0 recs

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 on Apr 6, 2006 12:51 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

3-0...
... doesn't mean a thing. Keep in mind they were playing the Pirates.

by Al on Apr 6, 2006 1:13 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

and we're playing the reds
but we're 1-1.

by mike bornemann on Apr 6, 2006 1:17 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

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 on Apr 6, 2006 1:27 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

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 on Apr 6, 2006 2:06 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

every game, sure
a two game series, not at all.

by mike bornemann on Apr 6, 2006 2:26 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

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 on Apr 6, 2006 2:44 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

Hahahaha,
Backpedal, Julie. Backpedal! :)
she

by Sarah Hope on Apr 6, 2006 3:00 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

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

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

by Al on Apr 6, 2006 3:08 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

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 on Apr 6, 2006 3:32 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

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 on Apr 6, 2006 3:49 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

lol
backpedal, backpedal
she

by Sarah Hope on Apr 6, 2006 3:51 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

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 on Apr 6, 2006 3:58 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

naperville?
ugh

by mike bornemann on Apr 6, 2006 6:28 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Excuse me
We prefer "Napertopia".  =)
"Respect the game above all else." - Ryne Sandberg, July 31, 2005, Cooperstown, NY

by Tom on Apr 6, 2006 7:49 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

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

by mike bornemann on Apr 6, 2006 7:51 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

Relax?
Relax? I thought your mantra was Patience.
Hey Chicago What Do You Say, The Cubs Are Gonna Win Today!

by Andy on Apr 6, 2006 3:34 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

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   0 recs

Don't forget
the Sausage race.  What a gas! (all puns intended)
she

by Sarah Hope on Apr 6, 2006 2:08 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

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   0 recs

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 on Apr 6, 2006 2:38 PM CDT   0 recs

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

Photo 1

Photo 2

by Al on Apr 6, 2006 3:11 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

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 on Apr 6, 2006 3:19 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

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

by Al on Apr 6, 2006 4:15 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

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 on Apr 6, 2006 4:32 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

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

by deansanta on Apr 6, 2006 5:58 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

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 Josh77 on Apr 6, 2006 3:57 PM CDT   0 recs

Ha!
We're one above the Sox.
she

by Sarah Hope on Apr 6, 2006 3:59 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs