WRIGLEYVILLE — The Cubs launched a website Tuesday dedicated to rallying support for the $500 million plan to update Wrigley Field and the surrounding neighborhood.
The site, www.wrigleyfield.com, includes photo renderings of the field, a list of renovation benefits and prominent positioning for a petition to show support. If the city approves the plan, the site will be used to update neighbors and fans on construction progress, the team said in a statement.
The new site allows visitors to sign a petition in favor of the plan, and a "Show Your Support" tab tells Cubs fans to call Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) and voice their support for a Wrigley overhaul. The site also features letters from city organizations that support the plan and results from a Cubs survey that show most Lakeview residents support Friday 3:05 p.m. games, Saturday night games and more concerts.
It also includes a "join our community campaign" page where 44th Ward residents who submit information will be encouraged to attend neighborhood meetings, said Cubs spokesman Julian Green. They will also be referred to neighborhood group Wrigleyville Neighbors, which formed earlier this year specifically to support the Cubs' renovation.
In addition to the web presence, the team plans to gather signatures for the petition from fans and residents before home games, Green said.
The city, Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) and the Cubs reached a framework for the complicated deal last month but a public process remains. Neighborhood groups said the team wants too many night games that post-game security needs to be funded completely by the Cubs.
The Cubs most recently hired a grassroots organizing consulting firm to help rally residents who support the plan.
Green has defended the organizing, saying that any resident in the ward has "the right to voice an opinion to local officials," he said. "Period."
Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts said last week he thinks the team has the support it needs to start construction during the off-season this year but still encouraged supporters to attend local gatherings.
"I think we're moving forward, so just going through the process," he said. "Everyone keep your fingers crossed and just keep showing up at meetings."
The Cubs and Wrigley Field are 95 percent owned by a trust established for the benefit of the family of Joe Ricketts, owner and CEO of DNAinfo.com Chicago. Joe Ricketts has no direct involvement in the team's day-to-day operations.
