Chicago Cubs: New changes, food and more at Wrigley Field

The season is upon us and the Chicago Cubs renovations at Wrigley Field are ready to debut. Some are for the fans, some for the players, but hopefully all for the greater good of the franchise.

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As many know, the

historic Wrigley Field continues its renovations. Last year it was the new jumbotrons and an upgrade to the bleachers. This year it’s ornamental additions, food–and something that the fans won’t get to enjoy, but it could pay dividends for the players and the fans alike.

The renovations at Wrigley Field have done their best to keep with the timeless appeal of the park, and that continued this winter. The return of the ornamental fencing and terracotta along the façade on the west side is nearly completed. Much of the work near the Marquee Gate has been completed. The Marquee itself is complete and will be reinstalled before the April 11 opener against the Cincinnati Reds.

The bleachers continue to improve with the addition of the Budweiser Bleacher bar at the entrance. Hot Doug’s will also be back serving a rotating selection of sausages in the bleacher seats.

One of the newest additions to the menu that I am personally looking forward to trying is the Chicago Dog Bloody Mary. A classic Bloody Mary with a celery salt and poppy seed rim, with a skewer of a mini-Vienna Beef Chicago dog served in a souvenir mason jar. Sign me up–I don’t care the cost (I say that now, but I’ll regret it later. All worth it.).

The biggest change this season is the Cubs clubhouse. The former, narrow clubhouse has been turned into a temporary batting tunnel. Yes, you read that right. What was once the clubhouse is now a batting cage. A real one, not the drop down net the pinch-hitter’s had to use before. The team will now prep for games in a 30,000-square foot clubhouse, trumped only by the New York Yankees. Let it be said that while many may not understand that with the amount of day games the Cubs have traditionally played, as well as less than desirable digs?  All of that has taken a toll on the players through the years whether they have admitted it or not.

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I’ll gladly take my Chicago Dog Bloody Mary while the team relaxes before a game in their spacious clubhouse. If the day ends with me singing Go Cubs Go? That’s a victory for all of us.