Wrigley Field Scoreboard Could be Next to Get Ads

The Chicago Cubs’ recently approved advertising agreement has largely focused on the Triangle Plaza and new outfield signage, but now the Chicago Tribune reports it could also make way for branding on the iconic scoreboard.

The Chicago Landmarks Commission gave the team the green light on June 27 to push back the outfield walls onto the public right-of-way, as well as expand the bar area where the Captain Morgan Club currently sits.

That was in addition to approving the Cubs master plan for 45,000 square feet of “new or existing” signs at Wrigley Field. While that didn’t include the proposed 6,000-square-foot Jumbotron or the 1,000-square-foot sign in right field, it could mean ads on the scoreboard.

The master plan depicts a “branded name in white letters” on the clock face on the scoreboard, as well as LED ads added to the gooseneck lights on each side of the landmark, the Tribune writes.  In addition, the team might seek out a “sign grown into the bushes” near center field, and “rotating or permanent signage” along the brick walls in left and right field.

All those ads would still need approval from the Department of Housing and Economic Development to make sure it complies with the landmarked areas, but the Tribune reports they would be approved if they meet the correct guidelines.

The Cubs are headed back to the Landmarks Committee Thursday to address and potentially approve the controversial Jumbotron and additional right field sign.

Delays in the outfield signage come after Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) released a letter to the Cubs regarding his hesitation to move forward. In it Tunney wrote he could not support the team’s $500 million ballpark and Wrigleyville renovation without major changes, specifically to the outfield signs.

Tunney wrote he wanted the Jumbotron to be reduced to 3,500-square-feet, the right-field sign to be reduced to 600-square-feet, the pedestrian bridge over Clark Street to be removed, the hotel’s outdoor patio to be relocated off Patterson Street and the hotel lobby to be relocated to either Addison or Clark street.

Read the Chicago Tribune's full story here.