For all the talk about Wrigley Field needs major renovations, the Cubs continue to add cosmetic changes and new ball park sponsors without doing any heavy construction. (I have always said that the Ricketts have lumped the non-Wrigley real estate projects in the $500 million Wrigley Renovation Plan without any true itemization because people are fond of the ball park, and not necessarily about a massive commercial complex across the street).
ESPN reports that without the jumbotron or the new Budweiser RF sign, the Cubs will debut a much smaller outfield wall sign with a new sponsor, Weber Grills.
Weber, a
Chicago-based grill manufacturer, is getting ad placement on a small
outfield door. Joining Target and Under Armour, there will be a white
silhouette of Weber's signature round grill mixed in the iconic
ivy-covered wall.
"We think it's a company that's synonymous with baseball, the
summer, drinking beer, and it's a local Chicago-based company," Cubs
vice president of sales and partnerships Colin Faulkner said.
This is how the Cubs see Wrigley Field: as a place to spend the summer eating and drinking. The emphasis on non-baseball factors is clear.
ESPN also reports that Weber joins
Kraft and Giordano's as high-profile new sponsors this season. Kraft is
partnering with the Cubs at the "Decade Diner," formerly known as
Sheffield Grill near Gate D, to serve themed food to honor the Wrigley
centennial.
Kraft, which is celebrating "100 years of cheese-making," will have
themed recipes for each decade. The Cubs also have historically-themed
hot dogs and alcoholic drinks, along with giveaways.
Local pizzeria Giordano's is the new pizza provider at Wrigley,
replacing D'Agostino's, which had a brief partnership with the Cubs.
Giordano's employees will cook up the deep dish pizza at a Wrigley
concourse kitchen.
Now, teams do cater to their fan base. For the premium prices, Cub fans may desire premium food service. But the Cubs are really emphasizing the amenities over the entertainment of the baseball games. The marketing is more towards the new food court in the mall than exciting Cubs baseball with new food and drink options. Again, this plays into the theme that the Ricketts want to transform Wrigley into a year-round destination place for food and drinks.
