CINCINNATI — The Cubs have taken a major step in strengthening their bid to host an All-Star Game at Wrigley Field as soon as 2027.
Addressing safety concerns, which have long been a barrier in the team’s pursuit, an ordinance introduced to the City Council by Wrigleyville Ald. Bennett Lawson (44th) on Wednesday would initiate the installation of anti-terrorism-rated removable bollards around Wrigley Field as well as the widening of sidewalks along Addison Street.
The proposed plan would cost more than $30 million, shared by the state, the city and the team.
The Cubs’ bid for an All-Star Game has been years in the making. During MLB commissioner Rob Manfred’s annual spring-training news conference last year in Florida, he told reporters that the Cubs and Blue Jays were candidates to host in 2027 and 2028.
“No decision has been made yet,” a team spokesperson said Thursday after The Score reported that Wrigley will be awarded the 2027 All-Star Game.
Most of the concerns the Cubs had to iron out before MLB would choose Wrigley for a future All-Star Game were security-related, Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts confirmed last spring. Wrigley hasn’t hosted the All-Star Game in 35 years.
‘‘We’re trying to get an All-Star Game at some point pretty soon,’’ Ricketts said in February 2024. ‘‘There’s a few things we have to work out with the city. And we’ve gotten snagged, but I think we’re getting closer. And we’ll hopefully know more pretty soon. But it’s not as simple as it looks. A lot of teams want the All-Star Games. They are big economic drivers for the city but not easy to get.’’
Truist Park, in the Atlanta metropolitan area, is set to host the 2025 Midsummer Classic — which was announced in November 2023. Citizens Bank Park, in Philadelphia, has secured the 2026 All-Star Game, as announced in April 2019. MLB hasn’t announced host cities beyond 2026.
The security bollards ordinance, which will need to go through a committee hearing and full council vote, includes a city contribution of one-third of the “final guaranteed maximum price,” up to $10 million. What’s left of the 2014 Cubs Fund for neighborhood improvements would help cover that portion. The state would be expected to chip in $12 million in assistance.
The Cubs would be on the hook for at least $8 million, plus overruns and maintenance costs.
“I’m confident this settlement is fiscally favorable for Chicago and our taxpayers, reducing the cost burden the city faces in providing public-safety resources around one of our busiest and most iconic destinations while avoiding legal proceedings,” Lawson said in a statement. “It’s a ‘W’ for all parties.”
Wrigley Field has hosted the MLB All-Star Game three times, in 1947 and 1962 as well as in 1990. But its location, tucked into a residential neighborhood, presents unique modern safety concerns.
Boston’s Fenway Park also is situated in the middle of a neighborhood. The Red Sox last hosted the All-Star Game in 1999.
The last MLB All-Star Game in Chicago was hosted by the White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field in 2003.
Chicago has hosted All-Star festivities for other leagues more recently. The WNBA All-Star Game came to Wintrust Arena in 2022. The United Center played host to the 2020 NBA All-Star Game. In 2017, the MLS All-Stars took on Real Madrid at Soldier Field.
Contributing: Fran Spielman