Chicago Cubs: Left and center field bleachers to reopen May 11

Let the bleacher bums rejoice!

When the Chicago Cubs open up against the New York Mets on Monday night, there will be a new addition to Wrigley Field, at least for this season. Fans. In the outfield. The silence that has encompassed the Wrigley outfield will be broken, at least in left and center field as those portions of the bleachers will be open for the first time this season.

It’s been a strange sight to watch home run balls bounce around in the empty seats and concrete, generally retrieved by workers still lingering around with the ongoing construction. Now there will be some normalcy returning to the Friendly Confines, as the bleacher bums will return at least in some force.

The left and center field bleacher openings will add approximately 3,000 fans, and will near 5,000 when the right-field bleachers open in June. While it will be a welcome sight to see fans back in the bleachers, the players are just as excited to not be alone in the outfield anymore. Dexter Fowler hasn’t had the pleasure of enjoying the fans out there as a Cub, but he’s ready for it.

"“It’s going to be good to have some noise out there,” Fowler said. “Before, I could talk to the left fielder or right fielder, just like the way we’re talking now. I would say, ‘Hey, scoot over.’ But it’s going to be way better now.”"

Each time the Cubs return home, the players have been eager to see the progress that has been made, and it’s been noticeable with each return. Anthony Rizzo has paid close attention, and is looking forward to the completion of this stage of the project.

"“It’s been impressive just to see how fast these workers are working around the clock,” Rizzo said. “This time the bleachers will be done. The video board (in right field) will be up soon. Every time we come back from a trip, it’s fun to see the progress made.”"

Monday night’s game will also be the annual “Pink Out” Day, as part of the Chicago Cubs charities efforts to promote breast cancer prevention awareness. Fans will receive a “Pink Out” T-shirt as they enter the gates, which will be handed out by wives of the players and coaches.

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