Wrigley About To Get Makeover

"When the billionaire Ricketts family gets the "play ball" sign from the closed fraternity of baseball owners, one of the first hurdles will be what to do about 95-year-old Wrigley Field. The Chicago Sun-Times reports there is a plan for a $250 million makeover timed to celebrate the ballpark's 100th anniversary and update the shrine of Major League Baseball to last for another century -- and possibly host the 2014 All-Star Game (Sportsline)."

I am a big fan of "old" ballparks, but I do believe in updating them. Fenway is 100 times better then it did before the new owners, and the same can be done with Wrigley. Hopefully they do this right, and keep the feel of the old ballpark, but are able to put in more seats and modern conveniences.

NHL to Stage Game in Wrigley Field

ESPN.com is reporting that the NHL will announce a New Year's Day game between the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings. Last year's Winter Classic between Pittsburgh and Buffalo was one of the highest rated regular season games in NHL history.

I can't figure out if the NHL is stupid to do this, or smart. Having the game at Wrigley Field is smart. The history of the ballpark will draw some curiosity. Also, it will be easier for the Blackhawks to sell 41,000 tickets, as opposed to the 61,000 seat Soldier Field. The Blackhawks are one of the least followed teams in hockey. Percentage wise, they have the 3rd lowest attendance in the NHL, even though they play in the 3rd largest market.



But maybe that's a stroke of genius by the NHL. This game will promote Blackhawks hockey in Chicago. The involvement of the Red Wings will ensure the game has star power. All and all, it's a rare good idea from the NHL. But as a Bruins fan, and an employee at Gillette Stadium; I wanted the Bruins to play Montreal in Foxborough. Maybe next year.

-The Commodore