The last time the MLB All-Star Game was hosted on the North Side of Chicago was in 1990. Since then, Wrigley Field and the surrounding neighborhood have undergone significant transformations and upgrades, making Wrigleyville a year-round tourist destination. The Chicago Cubs are putting their name back in the pot to bring another Mid-Summer Classic back to Wrigley, but they have some work to do.
Cubs fans were up in arms after MLB announced the next three locations for the All-Star Game. They thought Wrigley would certainly receive one, but Arlington (Texas), Atlanta, and Philadelphia got the bids instead. We found out later that there is an increased security threat due to city streets being so close to the entrances to the stadium. MLB is requiring the Cubs to have a proper plan and equipment in place to increase security due to the uniqueness of their stadium location.
The Cubs have since installed bollards to close off the surrounding streets, but more security is needed to put on an All-Star Game. Needing more security means needing more money. Before renovating Wrigley Field and the surrounding area, Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts asked the city to back him with public funding. After being denied public funding, he still was able to make the renovations happen. Now, he is returning to the city asking for help to host an All-Star Game.
Justin Laurence of Crain’s Chicago Business wrote a piece stating that the Chicago Cubs are discussing with City Hall about acquiring $30 million from the city to fund the required security enhancements. This is presumed to be in preparation for receiving a bid to host an upcoming All-Star Game. It’s worth noting this is not just a request from the Cubs but also from MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred.
The exact enhancements needed and requested are unclear, but it’s enough for Ricketts to feel it is worth asking the city to help fund. Ricketts recently addressed the topic of revenue when discussing the team’s payroll. He said they’d need to generate more revenue for the Cubs to go over the set Competitive Balance Tax. Hosting an All-Star Game would certainly generate more revenue.
Wrigley Field is the second oldest ballpark in the league, behind Boston’s Fenway Park. They hosted their last All-Star Game in 1999. The next oldest stadium behind Wrigley is Los Angeles’ Dodger Stadium, which hosted the event in 2022.
Wrigley Field and the surrounding area are now hosting events year-round. Big names like Bruce Springsteen, Morgan Wallen, and P!nk played shows at the Friendly Confines last summer. The Cubs also host Winterland at Gallagher Way. Outside the stadium are concessions and shops in what looks like a Christmas village. On the inside of the stadium, amusement rides and activities cover where the outfield would be on game day.
Wrigley Field will also host the NHL’s 2025 Winter Classic. On New Year’s Day, the Chicago Blackhawks will play the St. Louis Blues in a hockey game on the Wrigley playing surface. This will be the second time Wrigley hosts the event after the Blackhawks played the Detroit Red Wings in 2009.
