Major League Baseball has selected sites for both the 2024 and 2026 all-star games. However, the league has yet to pick a venue for the 2025 mid-summer classic. The venues that have been coming up as possible hosts are Atlanta’s Truist Park, Chicago’s Wrigley Field, Baltimore’s Camden Yards, and Toronto’s Rogers Centre. Truist Park has yet to host the game while it has been many years since Baltimore, Toronto, and Chicago have had the mid-summer classic in town. I believe Wrigley Field would be the perfect place to host the game in 2025.
Wrigley Field Is Long Overdue To Host The Mid-Summer Classic
Embed from Getty ImagesWrigley Field last hosted the mid-summer classic in 1990. The friendly confines also held the all-star game in 1947 and 1962. The Cubs divisional rivals in the Pirates (2006), Reds (2015), Cardinals (2009), Brewers (2002), and previously NL Central member Houston Astros (2004) have all hosted in more recent years. The north side of Chicago has been long overdue to host the all-star game again.
Wrigley Field Is Never Appreciated Enough
Embed from Getty ImagesWrigley Field has been the Chicago Cubs’ home field for over 100 years. The stadium remains the second oldest active ballpark in baseball. The only older active ballpark is Boston’s Fenway Park. While MLB loves to show off their new stadiums, I don’t think the league gives people enough opportunities to appreciate the older ballparks. Having Wrigley Field host the all-star game in 2025 will give baseball fans outside of Chicago a greater appreciation for the legendary ballpark.
The 1060 Project Revitalized The Stadium And Neighborhood
Embed from Getty ImagesSince Tom Ricketts purchased the Cubs in 2009, Wrigley Field and the surrounding neighborhood have undergone significant changes. Beginning in 2014, the Cubs put Wrigley Field and the surrounding neighborhood through a $575 million four-phase renovation project. This became known as the 1060 project. The project included renovations to the overall ballpark structure, seats, dugout, concourses, plazas, iconic ivy wall, and relocating the bullpens. They also added more concession stands and clubs inside the stadium.
Outside the ballpark, the 1060 project helped Wrigleyville become an entertainment district. The project included building the Hotel Zachary right across the street from Wrigley Field and improving the CTA “L” subway service. Over 100 apartments, 400 parking spots, and 150,000 feet of commercial space were added to the neighborhood. Something that was added just outside the ballpark was Gallagher Way, a spot to host events and watch the game. Most recently, the Cubs added DraftKings sports book right across from the stadium.
Hotels And Transportation Won’t Be A Problem
There would be no concerns about hotels, lodging, and transportation for the weekend. There are a great many hotels in and around Chicago. Heck, the new Hotel Zachary is right across the street from the stadium. I’m sure there are plenty of people who have Airbnb’s available for that weekend as well. For those who wouldn’t be staying near Wrigley Field, public transportation is plentiful in the city of Chicago.
The North Side Is Ready
Wrigley Field is long overdue to host the mid-summer classic. Whenever people are visiting Chicago from out of town, catching a game at Wrigley Field is often on their list of things they want to do. I believe the stadium deserves greater appreciation from the baseball world. With most teams wanting to build a new stadium after 20 years of using it, this makes the ballpark even more of a crown jewel. Given the renovations that went into the ballpark and Wrigleyville, the north side is ready to be showcased in the national spotlight.
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