Today, the Chicago Cubs announced some of the extra stuff they have going on this season, including for the opening weekend series. Of particular note, tomorrow night’s opener will include “a moment of silence and solidarity in recognition of the Black Lives Matter movement which will be followed by a performance from teen gospel singer Keedron Bryant who will perform his original song ‘I Just Wanna Live’ from a Wrigley Rooftop.”
What exactly that will look like, and whether Cubs players and coaches will offer up any additional demonstrations on their own, remain to be seen. The time remains right for sports to spotlight racial injustice and keep this conversation going. I’m glad the Cubs are participating.
More from the official release:
The Cubs home opener will feature a moment of silence and solidarity in recognition of the Black Lives Matter movement which will be followed by a performance from teen gospel singer Keedron Bryant who will perform his original song “I Just Wanna Live” from a Wrigley Rooftop. Dr. Hillary Ecker, an internal medicine physician at Advocate Health Care, also will sing the national anthem from a Wrigley Rooftop. Health care workers from Advocate Health Care will be featured in a virtual first pitch compilation video alongside Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and Governor JB Pritzker which will culminate in Ryne Sandberg throwing out the first pitch at Wrigley Field. Two new blue flags will be added to the exterior of Wrigley Field as an additional tribute to these incredible health care heroes.
The Cubs welcome John Benedeck and Josh Langhoff to Wrigley Field this year as the new organists. Benedeck will kick off the 2020 60-Game regular season behind the organ for the first two homestands (July 24-26, July 31-August 2) and Langhoff will follow playing the two-game home series against the Kansas City Royals August 3-4.
Without fans in the ballpark, the Cubs are recreating the magic of the Friendly Confines for fans at home via augmented reality second screen experiences on Snapchat, new Spotify playlists, continued behind-the-scenes content via the Cubs YouTube channel and new episodes of the Cubs podcast “Open Concessions with Len & JD.”
For the team’s loyal Season Ticket Holder base, the Cubs will film live fan reactions using Zoom and pipe the fan visuals into the ballpark via replays on the videoboard. The club has also introduced a new Season Ticket Holder Foul Ball Program. During each home game without fans in attendance, foul balls will be collected by the Cubs Authentics team and shipped to the Season Ticket Holder with the closest seat location.