I happened to see a most disturbing news report concerning the Tribune Co.’s desire to “modernize” Wrigley Field.
Plans included 1,300 additional bleacher seats, a Jumbo-Tron in left field and a parking garage where the hot dog stand is located on Clark Street.
Heck, why stop there?
Why not raze the entire area and create Tribuneville?
The entire compound could be fenced in. Fans wanting to see their Cubbies would first have to pay for a pass to gain admission to a theme park dedicated to corporate America’s hubris–Tribuneville.
All the taverns and eateries could then be rebuilt in the company’s glorious image, with all proceeds going directly to the company.
The fans could then proceed to “Tribune Park at Wrigley Field” (if they have enough money left to buy tickets to the game) to watch their beloved boys in blue take on the Milwaukee Brewers under a warm July sun, which is now in shadow because of the monstrous Jumbo-Tron dominating the left-field skyline.
You could tell your kids how the glorious players of old used to actually hit balls out onto the street.
That was before they added the big TV and extra seats.
You might also tell the youngsters how Cubs fans used to watch the games from the rooftops–something you couldn’t do anywhere else but at Wrigley.
But the extra seats and big TV screen brought an end to all of that years ago.
Now it’s just another ballpark.
The atmosphere and charm are nothing more than a distant memory.
