Bleacher Reconstruction Update - April 6
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 |
97 comments
Comments
wow
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 reply actions 0 recs
32 to 57
by 08 Cubs on Apr 6, 2006 9:41 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Nice!
by cubbiechris on Apr 6, 2006 9:43 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
32 to 57
by cubbiechris on Apr 6, 2006 9:44 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
For what it is worth...
by Ross on Apr 6, 2006 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the only thing
by CubMU on Apr 6, 2006 10:21 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
the rust
by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Apr 6, 2006 2:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you're
by CubMU on Apr 6, 2006 4:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Amazing shots...
Rumor has it you get a preview today???
by bison on Apr 6, 2006 10:25 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Ah ha
by ontheuptick on Apr 6, 2006 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I love surprises!
by sparkles721 on Apr 6, 2006 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let's forget for a moment
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 0 recs
Good call
But the sign should be more in tune with the aesthetic.
by Tom on Apr 6, 2006 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good Call...
Be carefull, the corporate powers-that-be might revoke your bleacher seats.
by Sarah Hope on Apr 6, 2006 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I totally disagree..
by ontheuptick on Apr 6, 2006 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Certainly better...
by Wahkeenah on Apr 6, 2006 6:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey Short4
by cubbiechris on Apr 6, 2006 10:55 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
true, no outfield ads
by Short4Fanatic on Apr 6, 2006 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's no worse than...
by Wahkeenah on Apr 6, 2006 7:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rust and wear
by cubz1963 on Apr 6, 2006 12:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
GREAT pics!!
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?
by BCurt10 on Apr 6, 2006 12:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Don't look now
Dang.
by cubbiejulie on Apr 6, 2006 12:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
You can't be serious here...
History: The 1987 Brewers started 13-0. They finished third, seven games out.
by Al on Apr 6, 2006 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not just the 3-0
by cubbiejulie on Apr 6, 2006 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
3-0...
by Al on Apr 6, 2006 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and we're playing the reds
by mike bornemann on Apr 6, 2006 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Reds-Pirates
DmL
by dmlichte on Apr 6, 2006 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
understandable
by mike bornemann on Apr 6, 2006 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My particular favorite is when...
I've shaken myself retarded in the past over this.
by Sarah Hope on Apr 6, 2006 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good teams beat the teams...
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.
by BCurt10 on Apr 6, 2006 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
didn't say it was over
by mike bornemann on Apr 6, 2006 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Works both ways.
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."
by BCurt10 on Apr 6, 2006 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
every game, sure
by mike bornemann on Apr 6, 2006 2:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So....
by BCurt10 on Apr 6, 2006 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
give me a break
by mike bornemann on Apr 6, 2006 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
One break, coming right up.
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.)
by BCurt10 on Apr 6, 2006 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Look at it this way...
by brianp88 on Apr 6, 2006 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes,
The Reds are just an itch we can't scratch for some reason.
by Sarah Hope on Apr 6, 2006 1:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like the fact
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.
by VS on Apr 6, 2006 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
WAY too early
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 0 recs
Well
I'm not sayin', i'm just sayin'.
by cubbiejulie on Apr 6, 2006 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hahahaha,
by Sarah Hope on Apr 6, 2006 3:00 PM CDT up reply actions 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
by cubbiejulie on Apr 6, 2006 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And...
Relax. It's THREE GAMES! (Two, in our case.)
by Al on Apr 6, 2006 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't need to relax
That's all I meant, seriously.
by cubbiejulie on Apr 6, 2006 3:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whoa
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 . . .
by Tom on Apr 6, 2006 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously, you guys
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.
by cubbiejulie on Apr 6, 2006 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And . . .
Aaarrrghhhh . . . we're drowning . .
by Tom on Apr 6, 2006 3:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
uh oh...
Damn, too late.
by BCurt10 on Apr 6, 2006 3:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe . . .
(ba dum bum).
Thank you, I'll be here all week.
by Tom on Apr 6, 2006 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOL!!
by cubbiejulie on Apr 6, 2006 5:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
julie
by tomas21 on Apr 6, 2006 5:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
However...
by Wahkeenah on Apr 6, 2006 7:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOL!!!!!
;)
by cubbiejulie on Apr 6, 2006 9:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I meant to tell you
by cubbiejulie on Apr 6, 2006 5:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Excuse me
by Tom on Apr 6, 2006 7:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
interesting
by mike bornemann on Apr 6, 2006 7:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey!
That said, if you have to suffer the western 'burbs, Naperville is the place to be.
by cubbiejulie on Apr 6, 2006 9:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Relax?
by Andy on Apr 6, 2006 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
All the games we're going to
by teacher tom on Apr 6, 2006 2:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Don't forget
by Sarah Hope on Apr 6, 2006 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Iowa cubs video available this season
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 0 recs
Old bleacher entrance
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.
by Tom on Apr 6, 2006 2:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks, Al!
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.
by Tom on Apr 6, 2006 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't have...
by Al on Apr 6, 2006 4:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How about this one
http://i2.tinypic.com/t65rnq.jpg
Kasey
by kaseyi on Apr 6, 2006 4:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks!
by Tom on Apr 6, 2006 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow
by deansanta on Apr 6, 2006 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My plan
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.
by BCurt10 on Apr 6, 2006 3:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey Al
by Josh77 on Apr 6, 2006 3:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I actually saw that....
by Al on Apr 6, 2006 4:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks, Al!
It all looks good. This weekend should be interesting and fun.
by sparkles721 on Apr 6, 2006 4:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
New Pictures
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 0 recs
I have to admit....
by cubfanindy on Apr 6, 2006 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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 0 recs
Yep.
by Wahkeenah on Apr 6, 2006 7:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Never happen
by Tom on Apr 6, 2006 7:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why can't we all just get along?
by Sidd Finch on Apr 6, 2006 7:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Great Pictures...
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!
by Goat Whisperer on Apr 6, 2006 8:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I think...
by stadiumguru on Apr 6, 2006 8:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes it does...
by Wahkeenah on Apr 6, 2006 10:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
One of the more famous repaint jobs...
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 0 recs
Almost certainly.
by Wahkeenah on Apr 7, 2006 4:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
al
by mike bornemann on Apr 6, 2006 8:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
There's a post somewhere in here...
by Al on Apr 6, 2006 9:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

by 





























