The Chicago Cubs announced plans to build an exclusive club underneath the best seats in Wrigley Field.
The Chicago Tribune reports that fans with tickets will be able to access the American Airlines 1914 Club for upgraded food and beverages, comfortable indoor seating, and private bathrooms (but no views of the field, however).
Nearly 300 people have already reserved their spots on the club’s the priority list.
After the 2016 season ends, crews will tear up the seating sections behind home plate and in between the dugouts (the ballpark’s most expensive seats closest to the field). The shell of the club will be built below. To accommodate construction, the dugouts will be move further down the baselines, away from home plate.
The seating areas will be ready for the 2017 season, but construction on the club will continue throughout the year. It will open for the 2018 season.
The club is part of the larger 1060 Project, a project that began in 2014 that is transforming the century-old Wrigley into a ballpark with premium features, modern amenities, and a revenue-generating, fan-friendly surrounding mixed-use development. Earlier this year, the Cubs opened a new team clubhouse underneath an old parking lot on the west side of the park.
The American Airlines 1914 Club (named after its corporate advertiser and the year in which Wrigley opened) is the first of four "premier experiences" coming to the ballpark. Clubs will be built on the first base side, third base side, and in the upper level. Suites will also be renovated.
Related Stories
| Oct 18, 2013
Researchers discover tension-fusing properties of metal
When a group of MIT researchers recently discovered that stress can cause metal alloy to fuse rather than break apart, they assumed it must be a mistake. It wasn't. The surprising finding could lead to self-healing materials that repair early damage before it has a chance to spread.
| Oct 8, 2013
Toronto Maple Leafs arena converted to university recreation facility
Using steel reinforcement and massive box trusses, a Building Team methodically inserts four new floors in the landmark arena while preserving and restoring its historic exterior.
| Oct 1, 2013
13 structural steel buildings that dazzle
The Barclays Center arena in Brooklyn and the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, N.C., are among projects named 2013 IDEAS2 winners by the American Institute of Steel Construction.
| Sep 26, 2013
6 ways to maximize home-field advantage in sports venue design
Home-field advantage can play a significant role in game outcomes. Here are ways AEC firms can help create the conditions that draw big crowds, energize the home team to perform better, and disrupt visiting players.
| Sep 24, 2013
8 grand green roofs (and walls)
A dramatic interior green wall at Drexel University and a massive, 4.4-acre vegetated roof at the Kauffman Performing Arts Center in Kansas City are among the projects honored in the 2013 Green Roof and Wall Awards of Excellence.
| Sep 19, 2013
What we can learn from the world’s greenest buildings
Renowned green building author, Jerry Yudelson, offers five valuable lessons for designers, contractors, and building owners, based on a study of 55 high-performance projects from around the world.
| Sep 19, 2013
6 emerging energy-management glazing technologies
Phase-change materials, electrochromic glass, and building-integrated PVs are among the breakthrough glazing technologies that are taking energy performance to a new level.
| Sep 19, 2013
Roof renovation tips: Making the choice between overlayment and tear-off
When embarking upon a roofing renovation project, one of the first decisions for the Building Team is whether to tear off and replace the existing roof or to overlay the new roof right on top of the old one. Roofing experts offer guidance on making this assessment.
| Sep 17, 2013
Healthcare project will merge outpatient clinic with YMCA to promote wellness and prevention
Penrose-St. Francis Health Services and the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region announce collaboration, along with developer The Boldt Company, to create next-generation wellness facility.
| Sep 16, 2013
Study analyzes effectiveness of reflective ceilings
Engineers at Brinjac quantify the illuminance and energy consumption levels achieved by increasing the ceiling’s light reflectance.