The Dreaded Sign is Up
If I wasn’t already dreading the Cubs/Sox series enough this weekend, now I’ve got to go to Wrigley on Saturday and look at the monstrosity that is the new Toyota sign. I hate that it’s red and not the dark green that would be more harmoneous with the bleachers, but to make matters worse it’s also electric. I don’t care how many millions it will bring in the next few years, the Ricketts have just lost all standing with the fans who don’t want to see Wrigley become just another ballpark. If you’re going to start advertising in the outfield like all other parks, it’s no longer the Wrigley people come from around the world to see. We put up with the crumbling facilities and lack-luster food, not to mention the team itself, because of the charm of Wrigley. The charm factor has just taken a major hit.
Don’t the Ricketts wonder why attendance has taken a major hit this season? The weather has been nicer than normal, but the ticket prices have been jacked up to where even die-hards can’t afford to attend on a regular basis. I don’t even try to sell my tickets on the secondary market for a profit. I’m happy if I can find friends to buy them at face value. Another price increase and more advertising might just make me throw in the towel. Then again, that could make everyone happy, since I know as soon as I give up my tickets, the Cubs will go to the World Series and I won’t be able to get tickets.