What Would You Do With Wrigley Field?

Twenty four years ago last Wednesday the last lightless Major League baseball park became lighted. Wrigley Field turned the lights on for the first time on August 8th, 1988 only to have the game against the Philadelphia Phillies get rained out after 3 and a half innings of play. It got me thinking about what is going to happen in a few years with this wonderful ballpark?

Wrigley Field was built in 1914 on grounds that housed a seminary.  Its original name was Weegham Park.  It is the second oldest Major League  park after Fenway Park in Boston (built in 1911). If you are a baseball fan you need to make a trip to this historic park before it is no more.

Sometime soon a decision will have to be made as to what needs to be done at the ballpark to keep it safe for the fans. Pieces of concrete are falling down periodically, the sidewalks  and steps are worn down.

If it were your decision what would you do?

If I had to decide, I would shut it down for two seasons and reconstruct the stadium almost exactly the way it is with modern amenities except the scoreboard.  That has to stay. I would have the Cubs play elsewhere. Just where would that be?  Well, the obvious is U.S. Cellular Field (home of the dreaded White Sox).  There is precedence for this.  When Yankee Stadium was being renovated in the 70's, the Yankees played two seasons at then Shea Stadium (the home of the dreaded Mets).

Another option is to play in Milwaukee at Miller Park.

A third option I have thought about is a little more radical.  Why not have the Cubs play 82 “home” games in American League cities where those fans seldom get to see the Cubs. They would play on dates when that American League team is on the road opening the stadium for usage by the Cubs. The Cubs are a popular baseball team all over the country and there are Cub fans all over the place.

Do you like my idea or do you have one of your own? I know there are Cub and baseball fans out there so I'd love to hear your thoughts.