WRIGLEYVILLE — After winning the World Series for the first time in 108 years, the Chicago Cubs announced Monday that they were raising ticket prices.
Cubs officials said on Monday that ticket prices for games at Wrigley Field will go up by an average of 20 percent over prices last season.
A bleacher seat that averaged close to $40 last season will go up to $70, depending on the Cubs' opponent, team officials said in a notice to season ticket holders.
"We sure have a lot to be thankful for this year. It was a joy to celebrate with you the many magical moments that made 2016 such a special year," said Colin Faulkner, the Cubs senior vice president of sales and marketing. "As we prepare for the New Year, let me once again thank you for your continued loyalty and unrivaled support. As a valued Season Ticket Holder, you are the lifeblood of our organization. We will continue to deliver on our commitment of providing you with competitive baseball, best-in-class service and tremendous value on your investment in our team."
Playing winning baseball the last two seasons has paid dividends for the Cubs.
More than 98 percent of season ticket holders are renewing for the upcoming 2017, team officials said. Also, the season ticket waiting list stands at its largest total in years, with more than 100,000 people on it.
"Giving the historic season we had, tickets are in high demand. Also, we've had the third largest attendance in team history," Faulkner said. "We also want to consistently field a competitive team. In order to do that, we're going to increase prices this season. The increases range on seating location in the ballpark. With the increase ballpark experience with the renovations along with the schedule for the season went into the reasoning for increases tickets prices."
Crain's Chicago Business reported that the Cubs will now have one of the most expensive tickets in Major League Baseball.
The Cubs and Wrigley Field are 95 percent owned by an entity controlled by a trust established for the benefit of the family of Joe Ricketts, owner and CEO of DNAinfo.com. Joe Ricketts has no direct involvement in the management of the iconic team.
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