Cubs Rumors: A 'very realistic expectation' Wrigley Field hosts 2027 All-Star Game

For much of the decade, the Chicago Cubs have been working toward hosting an MLB All-Star Game at Wrigley Field - the game's marquee midsummer event that hasn't been held at the Friendly Confines in more than three decades.

According to the team's president of business operations Crane Kenney, there's now a 'very realistic expectation' the Cubs host the All-Star Game in 2027 - but acknowledges nothing is across the finish line just yet.

The team is working with its third Chicago mayor in its quest to land the event and the big hang-up that's been at issue the entire time, security around Wrigley Field given its unique situation in the middle of a residential neighborhood, remains.

“The beauty of Wrigley is we play in a neighborhood. That means active streets during the game, 40,000 people inside and a U-Haul truck that could have fertilizer in it rolling right past the gates. That’s no good, and the commissioner made it very clear that’s no good. Those streets need to be closed – not just from the moment the game starts but during the game. Progress was made, and then Rahm left office. Honestly, mayor (Lori) Lightfoot made a lot of progress with the commissioner and a plan and then was not re-elected (in 2023). So we picked up the torch with mayor (Brandon) Johnson, and he’s been making a lot of progress. And I think it’s a very realistic expectation for 2027 based on the conversations I’m aware of that are happening.”

Recent terror attacks in New Orleans only highlight the risks the city and MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred are combatting - but the interview with Kenney makes it seem we're seeing real progress on that front.

The Atlanta Braves will host the 2025 MLB All-Star Game after losing the event in 2021 as MLB boycotted legislation passed by the Georgia State Legislature and the 2026 event will take center stage in Philadelphia. No host cities have been determined past 2026, setting up Wrigley Field as the potential host in two years' time.

Just how long has it been since Wrigley hosted the event? The ballpark had lights for less than two years at that point and Don Zimmer was the Cubs' manager. One thread that could carry forward into a 2027 iteration? Wayne Messmer sang 'O Canada' - and he could do that again should Wrigley host the Midsummer Classic again, or perhaps more likely, he could perform the National Anthem.