Wrigley Field's $30M security plan sparks backlash ahead of MLB All-Star Game decision
Wrigley Field's $30M security plan sparks backlash ahead of MLB All-Star Game decision (Image via Getty)
Big changes are coming to Wrigley Field, and they might lead to something even bigger for Chicago baseball fans. A proposal is moving forward that could change how fans walk around the ballpark — and maybe help the city win a huge baseball event.
But nothing is official yet. Still, many signs are pointing toward one exciting announcement that fans have been waiting decades to hear.
Wrigley Field's $30M safety project fuels controversy over MLB All-Star plans and security concerns
On Monday, June 17, 2025, the Chicago City Council's Finance Committee gave full support to a plan that will improve safety and space around Wrigley Field. This comprises adding four feet of sidewalk on Addison Street and putting in fresh security bollards. These compact, robust posts guard huge crowds from cars or injuries close to the stadium.
— 1realjerryriles (@1realjerryriles)
The plan also settles a long-running land issue between the Chicago Cubs and the city. The team will move fencing along Waveland Avenue to make a nearby alleyway wider and easier to use.
Chicago Alderman Bennett Lawson of the 44th Ward explained why these changes matter. 'The city saw the need to do our part, and the state, of course, to facilitate that,' he said at a press event in late May. Lawson believes the upgrades will help Chicago bring back a major baseball event that hasn't been held here since 1990 — the MLB All-Star Game.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Flexible Phone Plans for Small Biz
www.telidesk.com
Undo
MLB All-Star game in 2027, Wrigley Field's chances just got better
There are strong hints that these new safety changes are tied to the city's hopes of hosting the 2027 MLB All-Star Game. Although nothing has been made official, the Cubs reportedly are expected to secure the event, according to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score on June 13, 2025. But Cubs officials on Friday told The Chicago Tribune that no final decision had been reached.
Also Read:
Red Sox Slammed For Rafael Devers Trade After Zoom Call Turns Ugly Behind Scenes
The last All-Star Game at Wrigley Field occurred July 10, 1990.
That game ended well after midnight following a long rain delay. Since then, fans have been waiting for the game to return.
The full plan will cost about $30 million. The state will pay $12 million, the city will pay up to $10 million, and the Cubs will pay $8 million and cover all future upkeep.
If the City Council approves the final plan in the coming weeks, Major League Baseball could make an official announcement by mid-July, just in time for this year's All-Star break.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
India vs England: Geoffrey Boycott says 'Rohit Sharma won't be missed as much as Virat Kohli', urges England to tone down Bazball
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli (AFP Photo) As India gear up for their five-Test series against England beginning June 20 in Leeds, former England great Geoffrey Boycott has weighed in strongly on the absence of two Indian stalwarts - Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli - calling Kohli's retirement a bigger blow. In his column for The Daily Telegraph, Boycott wrote, 'The retirement of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma hurts the chances of India beating England. Kohli is the biggest loss as he has been their best batsman and talisman in all three formats.' Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! While acknowledging Rohit's contributions, Boycott said the former captain 'won't be missed as much as Kohli,' citing Rohit's inconsistent Test form in the last couple of years. 'Rohit was never a natural athlete like Kohli... the wear and tear of opening the innings and being captain in all three formats wore him down,' he added. Poll Who do you think will be missed more in the Indian lineup against England? Virat Kohli Rohit Sharma Both players retired from Test cricket in May, leaving significant voids in India's lineup - particularly in the top order and at No. 4. Turning attention to the hosts, Boycott had a word of caution for Ben Stokes and Co., fresh off a Test win over Zimbabwe. He warned that England must moderate their aggressive "Bazball" approach if they are to dominate a transition-phase Indian team. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo The making of Dhruv Jurel: Kargil war hero's son who chose cricket over the Army 'England should beat India if they temper Bazball and use some common sense,' Boycott wrote. 'It's no use telling us how good you are when you haven't made a single WTC final at home. They should be embarrassed.' Calling England a "one-trick-pony," Boycott urged, 'Being a winner is better than being known as an entertainer... Bring your best game and apply some cricket nous.' Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Time of India
42 minutes ago
- Time of India
Women's T20 World Cup 2026 fixtures: India paired with Pakistan; tournament begins on 12 June
File photo of India women's cricket team. (ANI) England will host the biggest ICC Women's T20 World Cup yet in 2026, featuring 12 teams competing across seven venues from June 12 to July 5. The tournament opens with hosts England facing Sri Lanka at Edgbaston and culminates with the final at Lord's, with 33 matches scheduled over 24 days at venues including The Oval, Hampshire Bowl, Headingley, Old Trafford, and Bristol County Ground. The tournament format divides teams into two groups for the league stage. Group 1 includes Australia, South Africa, India, Pakistan, and two teams from the Global Qualifier. Group 2 comprises hosts England, defending champions New Zealand, Sri Lanka, West Indies, and two more qualifier teams. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals, scheduled for June 30 and July 2 at The Oval. The championship match will take place at Lord's on July 5. This edition marks an expansion in the tournament's scale, featuring more teams than any previous Women's T20 World Cup. The competition will showcase matches at some of England's most prestigious cricket grounds. England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt shared her perspective on the upcoming tournament: "World Cups are always special, but this one already feels different – it has the potential to be truly game-changing. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo It's going to be a huge moment for our sport and a brilliant opportunity to inspire young people and captivate fans across the country. Playing on home soil, for the biggest prize, against the best players in the world, it's going to be unmissable. I can't wait to be a part of it." "The tournament will not only give fans across the nation a chance to see world-famous cricketers in action but will also affect lasting change by inspiring countless women and girls across the country to get involved with cricket," Sciver-Brunt added. Bombay Sport Exchange Episode 1: Interview with Sanjog Gupta, CEO (Sports) at JioStar Tournament Director Beth Barrett-Wild emphasised the transformative potential of the event: "The ICC Women's T20 World Cup provides us with an unparalleled opportunity to transform a month of sporting excellence into a movement that will rewrite the narrative about women's cricket. At iconic venues across the country, we'll see incredible, world-class athletes battling it out in out in front of hundreds of thousands of fans, who with every ball bowled and run scored, will be contributing to lasting change. It's our opportunity to give women's cricket, and women's sport, the stage it deserves." Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
IND vs ENG 1st Test predicted playing XI: Sai Sudharsan or Abhimanyu Easwaran, who will bat at 3; Will Kuldeep Yadav play in Leeds?
India will play the first match at Leeds, starting from Friday. (Screengrab) IND vs ENG 1st Test predicted playing XI: In Test matches in England, form doesn't matter at all. It is all about playing the condition, the day, the session, the hour, the next ball — as it not only tests temperament but also the character and skillsets of an individual. India's five-Test tour of England, beginning on June 20 in Leeds, marks the dawn of a new chapter. With stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma having retired from Test cricket, a fresh-faced squad under Shubman Gill's captaincy is ready to prove its mettle in one of the game's toughest conditions. Here's how India's probable XI could line up for the first Test: 1. Yashasvi Jaiswal India's leading run-getter in the last World Test Championship cycle, Jaiswal, has already shown his appetite for big runs overseas with a superb tour of Australia. He averages 60.61 at home and a solid 44.18 away, but adapting to English swing will be his biggest test yet. His form at the top will be crucial if India is to challenge England in their backyard. 2. KL Rahul At 33, Rahul is the senior-most batter in the squad. His career against England has been a mix of memorable knocks like the Oval 149 in 2018 and Lord's 129 in 2021 — and frustrating inconsistency. Averaging 34.11 in English conditions, this could be Rahul's last big chance to prove he's more than flashes of brilliance. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Thị trường có dấu hiệu suy thoái không? IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Sai Sudharsan Exclusive Interview: 'The dream is to play Test cricket' 3. Sai Sudharsan India might hand a debut to Sai Sudharsan, who is in scorching form after topping IPL charts, could get the nod at No 3 for his fearless batting. Alternatively, consistent domestic stalwart Abhimanyu Easwaran may finally earn his long-awaited Test cap. Another wildcard is Dhruv Jurel, whose strong India A outings could tempt the management to play him as an extra batter-keeper if required. 4. Shubman Gill (c) The skipper shoulders twin burdens one is captaincy and the other is cementing his place as a reliable top-order batter abroad. His record in England (88 runs in 3 Tests) and broader SENA numbers remain modest. Yet, Gill's poise and talent have inspired belief, and he'll have to lead from the front, both tactically and with the bat. 5. Karun Nair Last seen in whites in 2017, Nair forced his way back with heavy domestic runs and also scored a hundred for India A. With experience scarce in this line-up, his calm middle-order presence could be crucial. 6. Rishabh Pant (VC & WK) One of India's biggest game-changers in this format. Pant's fearless stroke play and sharp glovework make him a match-winner, especially in SENA conditions where he averages over 37 with four centuries. He will be crucial both behind the stumps and with the bat. 7. Ravindra Jadeja The lone 'OG' survivor of the Kohli-Rohit-Ashwin era. India's senior statesman now, Jadeja's all-round class will anchor this side, rescuing with the bat and breaking partnerships with the ball. 8. Shardul Thakur A handy seam-bowling all-rounder, Shardul brings balance as the fourth pacer who can contribute crucial lower-order runs. His century in the intra-squad game and knack for big moments make him a solid pick over young Nitish Reddy. 9. Mohammed Siraj With plenty of experience in SENA countries, Siraj will be a pillar of the pace attack when Bumrah sits out. Expect him to bowl long, aggressive spells and hunt key wickets. 10. Jasprit Bumrah India's pace spearhead and arguably the best fast bowler in the world. His match-winning abilities with the Dukes ball will be crucial to India's hopes of seizing early momentum. With a tricky back, India may deploy Bumrah selectively, possibly in the first, third, and fifth Tests to ensure he remains fresh and lethal when it matters most. 11. Prasidh Krishna His natural bounce and ability to exploit English conditions make him an exciting option. If he settles quickly, India could have a lively third seamer to rotate alongside Siraj and Bumrah. Arshdeep Singh remains in reserve to share the load if needed. Likely XI for the 1st Test at Leeds: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Karun Nair, Rishabh Pant (vc & wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
