Wrigley Field will welcome spectators when the Chicago Cubs open their MLB season on April 5, but the stadium won’t allow fans to sit in the beloved Budweiser Bleachers — because they won’t be open. The team tweeted the bad news on Saturday.
The bleachers will remain at least partly unavailable for a total of 15 games due to a delay in construction, the Cubs announced, adding the new target completion date is May 11.
However, MLB beat writer Carrie Muskat reports only the left-field section of the bleachers will be ready by early May. The right-field bleachers won’t be open until later in the month, she tweeted on Saturday.
#Cubs Kenney says LF bleachers will be ready early May, RF bleachers in late May at Wrigley
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) January 17, 2015Reaction to the news on social media was a mixture of horror and curiosity, with many fans wondering what they’re supposed to do with bleacher tickets they already purchased.
@Cubs omg! That's terrible what's wrigley on opening night with no bleachers...gasp
— Sean Bevan (@poot_a_saurus) January 17, 2015@Cubs your kidding right? Opening game for the entire league and the bleachers will be empty? That's unacceptable.
— Nick (@NickyBanks14) January 17, 2015The Cubs were quick to answer its worried fans, assuring them there is a Plan B coming.
Bleacher Season Ticket Holders will be sent details and FAQs regarding their options for the early part of the season. #CubsConvention
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) January 17, 2015The bleacher renovation is just one part of the over $500 million renovation, which also includes installing two video boards to augment the iconic manual board the stadium solely relied on until now.
On that front, there have also been some delays. While the left-field board is still slated to be completed by opening night, the right field board is looking more likely to be done only by late May, according to The Score.
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