The Cubs released a rendering of what the new right field party patio and LED scoreboard, to be installed where the existing bleacher box seats are located, at the Cubs Convention last month.
Some of you didn't think the rendering looked very good, or gave an accurate perspective on what the new LED scoreboard will look like.
I agreed with that. So I enlisted Mike, who does all the cartoons here, and who is a commercial artist by trade, to use his Photoshop skills to create a more realistic look at what this change in Wrigley Field might look like.
The numbers on the scoreboard... well, they could happen, right?
Click on image to open a larger version in a new browser window. Depending on the size of your display and browser, it may require some scrolling. If you find it to be too large, click here for a smaller version. Photo credit: Jamie Squire/Getty Images. Photo illustration by Mike Bojanowski
0 recs | 87 comments
I like it
They need to modernize wrigley and also keep it looking the same. I think this does that and is a welcome addition. Especially since I will have a close view from my seats in 242.
jtizzle24 - February 5, 2012 via mobile
Surprised to see Z throwing 95 mph
Even after 122 pitches (in the third inning), of which 118 were fastballs. Very nice. I laughed.
Julio Zuleta's Voodoo - February 5, 2012 via mobile
Also, apparently only 30 for Strikes.
Nunyabidness - February 6, 2012
21 HR for Castro?
TheBeerBaron - February 5, 2012
Hey, he had 10 in 2011
… after only three in 2010. It’s possible.
Al Yellon - February 5, 2012
21 HR's and 57 RBI's
hmmm
Ivy Walls - February 5, 2012
It's only July...
daily2b - February 5, 2012 via mobile
place looks september empty
jesus christos - February 5, 2012
The photo was taken sometime before a game started.
Plus, those bleacher boxes rarely sold out. That’s one reason why the Cubs want to re-do the area.
Al Yellon - February 5, 2012
I'm all for updating and this is a good first, small step...
so I’m not opposed to this. But I was one of the few people who bought tickets to a couple of games in those bleacher boxes every year. Gonna miss those seats.
wisconsinwillie - February 6, 2012
If he is hitting that many HRs, I would Sveum would move him to a spot in the lineup where he could get more RBIs.....
ClarkFan - February 5, 2012
yes i would expect he'd have more rbi's
he drove in 60 while hitting mostly lead off.
Mitchener - February 5, 2012
66*
Mitchener - February 5, 2012
by mid-July?
that’d be sweet.
ballhawk - February 5, 2012
He hit 8 home runs in the 2nd half
I could see a jump to 15 home runs
Mitchener - February 5, 2012
LOL at 122 pitches and only 30 strikes in the third inning
Chi-Fed - February 5, 2012
Anybody know if they have started on this yet?
I have tried to find the webcam from inside Wrigley, but either I can’t find it or it no longer exists.
cubbieblue86 - February 5, 2012
Check the links on the left sidebar of this site.
The answer to your question is, the seats have been removed, but nothing else has been done as of today.
Al Yellon - February 5, 2012
Ah, got it
Very tiny down there. Thanks for the help. For those who are interested, this is the available shot from that camera.
cubbieblue86 - February 5, 2012
Looks like some work is done
Looking at that picture, it looks like they have staked out the height of the new scoreboard. There is a stak with a pink ribbon attached to the fence just to the right of center picture, and it looks like there is a string going from the stake to the foul pole. I am guessing that would be the top of the new LED board.
ZeoBandit - February 6, 2012
Yeah, I see that now.
Nicely spotted. Also, obviously, the existing seating has been removed.
Al Yellon - February 6, 2012
Where is the patio going to go?
Is it only going to be 3 feet deep? I don’t see how a scoreboard, 3 rows of standing-up bar seating, AND a patio with a bar and pub tables are going to fit in the existing footprint. Cantilever over the sidewalk, I say!
D98 - February 6, 2012
The bleachers are already cantilevered over the sidewalk.
It’s not going to be expanded.
Al Yellon - February 6, 2012
I know that- but there is very little patio space in the well
Without exaggerating, the rendering they showed at the convention shows about 50 percent more space than what they are currently working with.
D98 - February 6, 2012
I agree...
I’ve had that thought before. Looking at renderings vs. actual photos, I think the “patio” may be very disappointing.
bdlugz - February 6, 2012
I need to Rec this comment...
…just because it contains the word “cantilevered.” Please continue with your conversation.
daver - February 7, 2012
I thought I would save you some trouble
http://www.mlb.com/chc/fan_forum/cubs_club_members/seats_truelook.jsp
Chi-Fed - February 5, 2012
Nobody did
But this is much better
Hammer - February 5, 2012
What happens to the handicapped aisle?
This photo shows a number of people in wheelchairs in the back row. The sketch the Cubs released doesn’t show this. Is there some other place in the bleachers for this type of aisle? It would need to be at the same level as where the bleacher’s elevator stops.
AlSpangler - February 5, 2012
Yes.
There is a wheelchair section behind the batter’s eye.
Al Yellon - February 5, 2012
Hmmmm
Are they really going to finish this in time for 4/5?
ferris2001 - February 5, 2012
I don't see why not - it's not that complicated of an effort
Biggest construction challenge will probably be establishing a solid enough base/foundation for the scoreboard while ensuring no damage to the existing (landmark protected) outfield wall. Once they’ve got that squared away, then it should be simple enough to “reslope” the seating area for the 3 rows (I think it’s 3) of seats (barstool-type?) above the scoreboard level. Then fill in the rest of the area to bring it level with the existing back concourse to create the patio area.
Frankly, I think their biggest logistical challenge will be to actually get the scoreboard. I have no idea what the scoreboard construction industry is like, but I would imagine there to be a significant leadtime in having one of this size built, yes? Or are they all very modular, and it’s just a matter of picking out what features you want, and it gets put together in short order? Anyone know?
ballhawk - February 5, 2012
I think they're modular.
SInce it’s a LED board, it’s basically LED panels that snap together. It’s programmed by a computer — I think this can all be done in very short order.
Al Yellon - February 5, 2012
Guessing here...
I’ll wager Daktronics (or whoever) would put Wrigley Field to the front of any queue they had, don’t you think? It’s a good chunk of change, and also a real marketing coup.
MN exile - February 5, 2012
I saw a Peter Gabriel show where he performed in front of an LED board
and it looked pretty lightweight. The stagehands were raising and lowering it just like it was a fabric curtain. But that didn’t take anything away from the quality of the graphics, which were very sharp from mid-way up the seats at the Hollywood Bowl.
Looking forward to seeing the results in April.
EalyEagle - February 6, 2012
I've seen some of those at shows I've worked on.
They roll up just like a projection screen. Quality is good, though up close they look kind of rough. They’re meant to be seen from a distance.
The stadium display will be a permanent installation, though. That’s different technology.
MN exile - February 6, 2012
I know this was inside ...
but when I was at UC a few years ago relocating my ‘Hawks tix, they were making changes to the ribbon boards between the 100 and 200 levels. In an hours’ time from taking 2 different trips out to seating areas, they changed out what seemed like a 50’ foot section.
blackhawk24 - February 9, 2012
If it really looks like that, I like it.
It really blends in nicely with the style of the park. Our seats are directly across from it though. While it may be nice to easily see the info on it, I am concerned I will be distracted by stupid ads and miss plays.
katie casey - February 5, 2012
You don't have to look right at it unless you want to.
Most of the time I’d think your focus would be on the pitcher and batter.
Al Yellon - February 5, 2012
Yep, we will be looking directly at it,
the information will be great, hopefully it adds to the park and does not become overly “busy”. Looking forward to being able to see pitch counts kept up-to-date instead of just getting lucky and catching it on the ribbon boards.
jpeters407 - February 5, 2012
Might be easier said than done for a goof like me.
Isn’t it the nature of ads to distract and vie for your attention? So we’ll see. Maybe after I get used to it, it won’t bother me any more than the sailboats on the lake.
katie casey - February 5, 2012
The RF bleachers look empty as usual!
SackMan - February 5, 2012
Zambrano with 118 out of 122 pitches being a fast ball
nice
Cubbie-Tim - February 5, 2012
Anybody know what's going on behind home plate?
I’m not sure how to attach a picture, but it looks like there is major construction going on directly behind home plate.
rtathree - February 5, 2012
looks like Pink Hat guy set up camp
Hammer - February 5, 2012
They were replacing seats there during the STH event in December.
All of the seats in ones of the sections had been taken out.
jpeters407 - February 5, 2012
Not just the missing seats....something else.
There are a several sections of seats missing to the left of home plate, but directly behind home plate it looks like there is something else being constructed, as a large area is completely tarped off. A few years ago there was talk of an additional Stadium Club that would be located underground, which would be accessible from the Premium seating area. Was there any mention of this at the convention?
rtathree - February 6, 2012
No.
I believe they still want to do that, but there is no such seating area. Yet.
Al Yellon - February 6, 2012
Has that man no shame?!!
daver - February 7, 2012
Advertising
Was there any mention of ad space on this new sign? It’s hard to imagine new signage would come without advertisements, but I hope not.
rynofan - February 5, 2012
Yes, there will be ad space.
bdlugz - February 5, 2012
Where's Milton?
DKT - February 5, 2012
I hope we get to see more of Milton this year.
I don’t know that we will, even 75 times would be ok. But maybe he will come back with a vengeance in 2013.
jpeters407 - February 5, 2012
Sure hope you aren't talking about Bradley ;-)
Emelie - February 6, 2012
AHHHHHHGGGGGGGGG!
Noooooooooo! The only Milton that matters of course!
jpeters407 - February 6, 2012
Baby steps toward the Jumbotron that'll go on top of a new eight-story luxury hotel...
at the corner of Waveland and Kenmore.
ernaga - February 5, 2012
The only thing more shocking than Castro's stats is
the fact that the Marlins are at the Cubs in mid-July.
But I am more interested in the amount of patio space at the back. From the previous image it looked like there would be enough room for a bar and some cocktail tables. Is that realistic, or would that require additional construction over the sidewalk?
RiskyBusiness - February 5, 2012
There should be enough room for what's on the rendering.
The concourse in that area is pretty wide.
Al Yellon - February 6, 2012
Lakeview Baseball Club
Nice illustration, Mike. But with the Lakeview Baseball Club recently being sold at a bankruptcy auction, I wonder if its famous “Eamus Catuli” will remain for the 2012 season.
FrostyMalt - February 5, 2012
I bet it stays.
jpeters407 - February 5, 2012
Agreed.
Al Yellon - February 6, 2012
or as my wife says, "Eat More Katsui"
I blew my drink all over the coffee table the first time she came out with that. Gotta put that woman in show business….
EalyEagle - February 6, 2012
The numbers are off
dansram - February 6, 2012
It's 2012.
It should be done simply to modernize the stadium.
dtpollitt - February 5, 2012
how many BCB Bucks does it cost to have a billboard?
Cubbie-Tim - February 5, 2012
LOL Zambrano can't throw 95 anymore
Thats the only thing I find off about those numbers.
subtle - February 5, 2012 via mobile
Basket
If that is really how the board will look along that area, then they should eliminate the basket from the wall entirely. I’ve long despised that thing in the first place but if the fans are pushed back or up as it would appear, the basket has no business as currently affixed in that area.
krummy12 - February 6, 2012
As much as you depise it
The basket is still a better Home Run indicator than the piece of yellow tape that is used at most ballparks.
RiskyBusiness - February 6, 2012
Yeah.
Nobody could possibly throw stuff or fall over the sign.
CJK - February 6, 2012
In that case, Shane Victorino has volunteered to play RF when the Phillies are in town... ;-)
ballhawk - February 6, 2012
That basket is a relic of the 1969-70 seasons, an era when fans simply could not control themselves...
…and a time when poor old Pat Pieper had to wake up every few minutes, grab the mike, and yell at some morans in the front row to take down a sheet they had draped over the ivy, or tell one of the Bums to get off the top of the wall.
Everybody knows that nothing similar could happen today with the current well-behaved bleacher crowds. However, if the basket does stay, I’d like to see it spruced up with some “Hey-Hey – style” messages: “Holy Mackerel” in left, “No Doubt About It” in center, and obviously “The Cubs Are On the Way” just under the new message board in right.
ernaga - February 7, 2012
I like it
Fairly low key entry into the 21st century.
Emelie - February 6, 2012
Here's another rendering
The Wrigley Blog shows a rendering with an indication of how it will fit into the surroundings. It’s not nearly as obtrusive as I had thought. In fact, I didn’t even notice that the rendering had been placed in the top photo on that page until I looked at it a third time.
I’m curious how the part above the well fits into that space without blocking the view of the well from the right-center bleachers, though. The rendering makes it look like it would.
CJK - February 6, 2012
Even now
… it’s hard to see the well from parts of the RF bleachers. This might block a few more seats from seeing the well, but not many.
Al Yellon - February 6, 2012
If the LED board is just straight, then No
And that’s what the original image that the Cubs presented showed – a straight board.
If it bends where the wall curves, then it would impact the view. I can’t see the Cubs doing that.
RiskyBusiness - February 6, 2012
I ♥ MC Escher.
daver - February 7, 2012
Comment rec'd for Escher reference.
Al Yellon - February 7, 2012
Then you'd love this...
linky
ballhawk - February 7, 2012
ISWYDT
Al Yellon - February 7, 2012
Is it just me, or does that look like the seating area is tilted at about a 30 degree angle?
And the staircase is raising it to dump the fans on the field.
Some years, we’d like to have the reverse for the players.
Shanghai Badger - February 7, 2012
That's why they wanted the new clubhouse under left field
Just pull a lever and let Soriano fall to the showers.
RiskyBusiness - February 8, 2012
Hee hee.
People would have paid extra to watch that.
Al Yellon - February 8, 2012
I see your point.
I wish there were a rendering from someone who actually has specs on the work. The only “official” one I’ve seen is the one you put there. It looks like a Big League Dreams Wrigley Field.
CJK - February 6, 2012
Zambrano?? 95 mph??
Is this from 2003??
plenz - February 6, 2012
2003, that doesn't seem fair
Starlin Castro would have been only 13. Meh, he’d probably still hit a stand-up double off of Zambrano.
RiskyBusiness - February 6, 2012
in all seriousness
It looks out of place doesn’t it? Not saying I hate it because whatever brings in more $$ to put into the club I am all for
plenz - February 6, 2012
Not really.
I think it fits in pretty well.
daver - February 7, 2012
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