Opposing Opinions Surface Over Wrigley Field Remodeling in One Neighborhood

Wrigley Field is ripped up from every angle, with intentions of being done by April. Photo Credit: Kathleen Darling

Wrigley Field has been an iconic ballpark since opening day 100 years ago. However, some Cubs fans are speculating that the renovations are going to put an end to an old era.

“Oh I was a ‘ball hawk’ since I was a little boy, I can remember waking up at the crack of dawn for an afternoon game,” said Jerry Cavanagh, a Lake View resident since 1945. “Being a Cubs fan for so long I have a bond that is rooted in pride, passion and most importantly loyalty.”

Cubs fans have devotion for their team. Even though the Chicago Cubs have not come close to a victory in the World Series, or even simply made it through the first round of the playoffs since the early 1900’s, their fans are always by their side.

“I appreciate seeing the joy on everyone’s face during the game it makes me happy to see that the team spirit is growing with every generation,” Cavanagh said.

Reconstruction of the field is not the only renovation that the Cubs will be undergoing this upcoming season. Recently, it was announced that there will be a new manager for the team, Joe Maddon, to go along with the new park renovations.

“I love the new manager,” said AJ Fedoruk, a Lake View resident. “You know Joe Maddon brings a winning attitude here which we haven’t had in forever it seems like.”

Wrigley Field remodeling is in full swing, bringing in big tools to get the job done. Photo Credit: Kathleen Darling

Fedoruk, 23, also recognized a difference between younger generation Cubs fans versus older generations with regards to the new changes to the historic ballpark.

“As being a younger generation Cubs fan I personally like the construction, the updating of the ballpark, it’s 2014,” he said. “We need updated facilities not only for the fans but to land big free agents and make people want to come here.”

While Fedoruk is in support of the renovations, he said he understands that the revamping of the ballpark is making older generation Cubs fans wary of the makeover because it’s like a second home to several diehard fans, ones in which do not like change.

“Some of those guys have been out there for 30 or 40 years, they know what the Cubs are all about,” Fedoruk said.

For video of the impact on neighborhood bars: http://youtu.be/UfNaBVmePV8