The countdown continues. We're now just 16 days from when the first pitch of the 2015 season is supposed to be thrown at Wrigley Field by Jon Lester. As a result, there is a lot going on at Wrigley Field. Here's Thursday's report from BCB's David Sameshima:
I arrived just after 4:00 p.m. It was 38 degrees (+27 wind chill). They have changed the construction area around Addison and Sheffield. They have opened up the area next to Gate D, so the gate will be accessible for Opening Night. I was able to take a photo to illustrate how far the right field bleachers now extend out over the former sidewalk.It was very quiet on the right-field side with only a few contractors at work. I was surprised to see the ballpark lights on. This is the first time that I have seen the lights on since the project has started. I was able to take one photo, through Gate Q, to show the left field bleacher wall. This is the only angle that is now available. The jumbotron control room, next to the press box, appears to still be under construction.It was a lot busier on the left-field side. There was work taking place in various left-field bleacher areas. A trailer truck was being unloaded on Waveland during my visit.I was only able to take a few photos through Gate K. There was a truck parked there blocking half of the view. They were repainting the old Gate K. I was able to take some photos of the new staircase which is located at the northwest corner of the stands.I did take some photos of the new VIP/Players Parking Lot tent structure. They did leave room on the west end for the alley needed by Clifton Avenue residents. I was thinking that besides offering security and privacy for the players, a tent is probably also needed to keep their cars clean. That area is the closest area to park cars but also the dustiest.As I was leaving, the trailer truck started to leave, heading westbound on Waveland. The truck then stopped. I saw that two cars had just turned off Clark Street, to head east on Waveland. The cars moved over on the sidewalk to allow the truck to pass. This is just an example of how congested the traffic situation may be on game days. This will also happen when the fire truck and ambulance get called out on a run.
David will be visiting the ballpark again today so we'll have more photos here tomorrow.