NEWSLETTER
As mentioned at the season ticket holder event last week, the Chicago Cubs will be hosting a seasons’ worth of events at Wrigley Field next year to celebrate the ballpark’s 100th anniversary.
There are almost too many planned events/giveaways/etc. to recount, but you can see a bunch of the details here. A highlighted section from the press release that I found particularly cool:
Celebrating Wrigley Field’s Past
With so much history taking place at Wrigley Field over the past century, the Cubs have planned a season-long celebration to give fans a look and feel of the last 100 years of baseball and other events that have taken place at the historic ballpark. Between decades-themed homestands and unique promotional items, Wrigley Field’s 100th birthday, commemorative merchandise and entertainment, fans will want to plan ahead for as many Cubs games as possible to participate in this historic year.
Celebrate 10 Decades, Experience 10 Homestands
Following Opening Week, fans coming to Wrigley Field will be treated to a variety of elements of each decade at the ballpark during 10 unique homestands. These festivities include:
– Wrigley Field’s 100 Great Moments presented by Budweiser: Starting at Cubs Convention, Spring Training and continuing throughout each regular season home game, the Cubs will unveil and pay tribute to 100 great moments in Wrigley Field History. Several former athletes, performers and dignitaries associated with these moments will be honored at Wrigley Field, and fans worldwide will be able to follow these unveilings via social media.
– Historic Bobbleheads: During the first Friday home game of each decade-themed homestand, the first 10,000 fans in the ballpark will receive a never-before-produced bobblehead honoring key individuals or events from that decade. The historic bobbleheads will be unveiled to fans at Cubs Convention in January.
– Throwback Uniforms: The Cubs have partnered with Majestic Athletic to recreate throwback uniforms from significant events at Wrigley Field during each decade of the ballpark’s history. The first uniform, a 1914 Chi-Feds uniform, will be worn on the actual 100th birthday game April 23, 2014, vs. the Arizona Diamondbacks. The remaining uniforms will be worn on the “Throwback Sunday” game; the first Sunday of each corresponding decade. Fans of the visiting teams will also enjoy the vintage atmosphere, as many visiting clubs plan to wear retro uniforms as well. In addition to the Cubs’ home threads, the team will introduce an alternate road jersey for 2014 that pays homage to the team’s road jersey worn in the 1920s.
– Retro Toys: In addition to the retro uniforms, “Throwback Sunday” games will offer a great family atmosphere complete with retro toy promotional giveaways to children 13-and-under. The retro toys representing each decade will be unveiled to fans at Cubs Convention.
– Special Events Calendar: The Cubs once again will host a robust Special Events calendar for groups and individuals looking to enjoy a Cubs game while participating in a themed event. This year’s Special Events will align with each homestand’s themed decade. For instance, Golfers’ Night will take place during the 1950s homestand, when golfer Sam Snead famously hit the center field scoreboard with a golf ball while hitting his four-iron. The full list of Special Events will be revealed later this offseason and tickets will go on sale Friday, March 7, during the general on-sale at www.cubs.com/specialevents.
– Dining Through the Decades: Fans hungry for an authentic, historic visit to Wrigley Field will be able to enjoy popular food and beverage offerings from that homestand’s specified decade, thanks to the team’s partnership with Levy Restaurants. Specialty food offerings will celebrate unique Chicago flavors through the years, and items throughout the park will be served in commemorative collectable cups, helmets and more.
– Historic Guests and Game Entertainment: With so many historic events taking place at Wrigley Field, the Cubs have an opportunity to host many former athletes, relatives, representatives and dignitaries who helped shape Wrigley Field into such an iconic venue. These guests will be honored by the team and fans throughout the season in special pregame ceremonies, ceremonial first pitches and as guest 7th inning stretch conductors. Fans also will be treated to popular music from the homestand’s featured decade.
– Ballpark Décor: Wrigley Field is celebrating a milestone year and the ballpark will dress the part. Wrigley Field 100th décor will be featured throughout the exterior of the park, the concourse, field level and rooftop flags. The Wrigley Field 100th logo will be painted on the grass behind home plate and “100” will be brushed in the center field grass throughout the season. Each baseball used at Wrigley Field will be stamped with the Wrigley Field 100th logo next season, making for great foul-ball or home run souvenirs. Bases will adorn a commemorative base jewel featuring the Wrigley Field 100th logo, opponent and date. Finally, Cubs players will wear the Wrigley Field 100th patch on their jersey sleeve and side of their caps. These game-used, authenticated items will be available for purchase at Wrigley Field’s Cubs Authentics kiosk in the main concourse or www.cubs.com/authentics.
– Commemorative Ticket Designs: When Season Ticket Holders receive their tickets this year, they’ll notice themed artwork on each ticket inspired from past Wrigley Field game programs. Many of these program covers were designed by artist Otis Shepard, who served as the art director for Wrigley Gum for more than 30 years.
I dig the decades idea. I want my retro toy!
Whatever you think of the plan to renovate Wrigley Field or of the Cubs’ relative level of competitive next year, I imagine that there will be some fun things to do, see, and experience at the ballpark. Even if the Cubs are struggling, we all might as well enjoy the season in whatever ways we can.
But, um, hopefully the Cubs will be good …
