Chicago Cubs: Ricketts to speak to city on possible 2020 All-Star Game bid

When things are going well, you just keep riding that wave. The Chicago Cubs are in the home stretch of the 1060 Project and should be done by the 2020 season. And with that in mind, Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts looks to meet with the city about a potential bid for the All-Star Game.

During the renovation of Wrigley Field–the 1060 Project–there’s been plenty of “pardon our dust” signs around the ballpark. And after last season, the Chicago Cubs competition has a better understanding of what that means as well. Get it? Cheesy joke, moving on. So fresh off a World Series and the final stages of the construction underway, the Cubs will look to bring more excitement into Wrigley Field. And that would be the 2020 All-Star Game.

Speaking at City Club of Chicago Luncheon, Ricketts talked about sitting down with the city and formulate a plan that could help bring the All-Star Game back to Wrigley Field after a 30-year absence at that point. Normally the All-Star Game alternates between league’s, but it’s a bit off as of now. Miami will host the 2017 All-Star Game, followed by Washington in 2018 and Cleveland in 2019.

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"“Hopefully we’ll be able to sit down with the city here over the next few months and iron out what it takes to be the leading bidder,” h/t Patrick M. O’Connnell, Chicago Tribune"

The bid for an All-Star Game is about more than just the midsummer classic alone. With the break, the Cubs would essentially have five days worth of events and festivals around the ballpark. The completion of the hotel, as well as the plaza, would help to accommodate those plans.

Back in January, Cubs’ business president Crane Kenney said that the team is keeping in contact with Mayor Rahm Emanuel and his office to keep him up to date on the progress of Wrigley Field. They are also staying in touch with Major League Baseball to keep them up to speed on the efforts to fulfill obligations for the All-Star Game.

Next: Teams starting to follow the Cubs lead

My hope is that when 2020 rolls around, the Cubs might be in the midst of a possible dynasty. And with that, maybe the chance that people have grown tired of seeing the Cubs in the World Series and, in turn, the All-Star Game. This way I can go without having to take out a second mortgage on my house. My chances of any of that becoming the case? Guess I’ll need to start that mortgage paperwork.