Chicago Cubs: Being a fan has never been more rewarding than right now

Wrigley Field ready to continue its place atop baseball venues

The best fans in baseball deserve the best venue in the game, as well. And, thanks to the Ricketts family, that’s exactly what the Cubs have in Wrigley Field.

More than a century old, the Confines had seen better days when the family bought the team. I clearly remember netting underneath the upper deck to keep concrete from falling onto fans below. Outdated televisions were the only way to see replays – if you could see them from your seat.

But thanks to more than $500 million in renovations, Wrigley is the place to see a ballgame. Two new videoboards might be the most notable changes, but take a walk through or around the park to notice the quality of everything – from concessions to the concourse itself.

When you leave the stadium itself, the neighborhood is unrecognizable. The Park at Wrigley makes Wrigley Field a year-round destination. The hotel across the street will be up by Opening Day 2018 and the business development continues to make progress, as well.

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What does all this have to do with being a fan? It makes you proud to walk around Wrigleyville and see what its become – a true hot spot for fans, non-fans, Chicagoans and tourists alike. The pride I’ve always felt is now represented by the stadium, the team and the neighborhood.

Life is good. Being a Cubs fan has never been easier – or more rewarding.