CHICAGO — A decision that shook the baseball world: Thomas Ricketts today unveiled plans for a $3 billion futuristic stadium that will replace (and surpass) Wrigley Field, the aging icon that generations of Cubs fans have both loved and feared would fade. It will be the most advanced ballpark in MLB — a place where technology, architecture, and the fan experience converge, but also a major question mark about memory, tradition, and identity.
As soon as the announcement was made, fans were excited to imagine retractable roofs, giant 360-degree video screens, and “smart” seats that serve food and drinks via an app — but beneath the glitz were whispers of concern.
“The Chicago Cubs deserve a home that reflects the future of baseball. This new stadium will be the most advanced in MLB history, combining tradition with innovation to give fans an experience they’ve never had before,” Ricketts said amid a swarm of cameras.
The project is estimated to cost as much as $3 billion, far more than initial estimates. It will be funded largely by private sources, but will inevitably require support from the city and public partners. And that’s when concerns begin to arise: Will taxes be raised, how will Wrigleyville residents be impacted, what will happen to the local culture …
“You can’t replace history,” said one longtime shareholder. “Wrigley is the cathedral of baseball. A new $3 billion palace can’t buy the magic we feel every time we walk through the gates of Wrigley.”
Ricketts was quick to reassure: Wrigley Field won’t be demolished. Instead, it will be preserved as a legacy — perhaps as a venue for concerts, community events, or as a living museum of Cubs history.
“Wrigley Field will always be a part of our story,” Ricketts stressed.
If approved on schedule, construction could begin in about three to four years, with the goal of having the new stadium up and running by the early 2030s. The economic benefits are huge: construction jobs, increased tourism revenue, year-round major events… But then there are questions about the environment, immigration, housing costs, and preserving the character of Wrigleyville.
MLB’s president and city officials have voiced their support. But in the minds of many fans—both young and old—the project is about more than just the new ballpark. It’s about deciding what should stay, what should move, and whether the Cubs can move into the future while still retaining the spirit of Wrigley.
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