Lots of activity in right field on a beautiful Saturday afternoon, and BCB's David Sameshima was there to document it and filed this report:
I arrived at 1:40 p.m. I first saw the forklift working under the marquee traveling in and out of Gate F. I found the Executive Entrance sign amusing, with the construction equipment directly behind it (photo 1). I also was amused by the barrel and tub being dropped off outside the entrance. I imagined it being used to mix the nacho "cheese."As I ventured south toward Sheffield, I was taken aback when I turned the corner. I was startled to see the right field video board rising so high. I knew how large it was going to be, but was still surprised how tall it is. It was then that I realized that I had forgotten my compact digital camera. I was recharging the battery and forgot to put the camera back in my bag. I use it to shoot through any small gaps in the fence. I had to use my phone to take photos that I could not capture with my DSLR camera. I apologize for the quality of some of these camera phone photos. They were continuing to assemble more components, to bring up to the structure, but I need to continue making my rounds around the ballpark. There was activity taking place around the park, but I did see groups of workers leaving for the day as well. They were still using the bucket transfer system to move concrete into the left field bleachers. It was a slow process. They appeared to be moving the bucket into the lower left center field area.I do plan to make a trip on Sunday afternoon to check the progress on the right field video board and if they are continuing to pour concrete in the left field bleachers.
You'll recall it took a few weeks to get the left-field video board structure up so it could be set up for use -- "floors" had to be put in and the whole thing needed to be wired. In right field, that has to be done as well, and also the Budweiser sign will have to be moved to the top. I imagine this won't be complete by the end of the homestand next Sunday, but might very well be finished by the homestand that starts April 27. That would be far earlier than the Cubs had promised that board would be ready.
They do seem to be working much more quickly now that the weather's been nice. I don't see any reason why they won't have the bleachers open in left and center field May 11, as promised.