History of Chicago’s Wrigley Field

Wrigley Field, the home of the Chicago Cubs, is a historic stadium. This major league ballpark is the second-oldest field still in use in Boston — behind Fenway Park. The stadium looks unique and attractive due to its overall design.

Charles Weegham hired architect Zachary Taylor Davis to design the field; the construction works were complete by 1914. The stadium was initially known as Weeghman Park until Charles Wrigley, a chewing gum manufacturer, purchased the park and renamed it, Cubs Park, in 1915. In 1927, Wrigley further rebranded the arena into Wrigley Field.

The stadium stands on a location that once hosted a seminary.

The Federals played their maiden game on the ballpark in April 1914 against Kansas City. The Federals beat Kansas City 9–1.

Some of the features that make Wrigley Field the most recognizable stadium include:

Design

Notably, Zachary Taylor Davis and Charles G. Davis designed the stadium. The steel-and-concrete structure cost was estimated at $ 250,000, and the project took two months to complete. At this time, the stadium had a seating capacity of 14,000 people.

Additionally, Wrigley Field has undergone significant renovations throughout its . Also, the stadium’s layout, design, and distinctive urban setting have allowed it to hold important events such as the All-Star games of 1947, 1962, and 1990.

Field Scoreboard

Wrigley Field uses a unique manual scoreboard. The field bleachers and scoreboard were built in the year 1937. Many modern baseball teams presently use scoreboards that are changed at a press box. However, Wrigley Field’s scoreboard requires one to change the points by hand.

Vines

The stadium’s outfield walls are adorned with a clinging ivy, which certainly makes the Wrigley Field iconic and unique. Bill Veeck acquired and planted the vines on the outfield fence in 1937.

Lights

Previously, the Chicago Cubs played games during the day. Lights were added to the ballpark in 1988. The initial match played under the lights was against Philadelphia in August 1988, but the organizers canceled it due to torrential rain after 3 ½ innings.

As home to one of the oldest teams globally, Wrigley Field has played a critical role in professional baseball progress in the United States. The stadium is also associated with a positive economic impact in the community, such as job creation, increased tax revenue, and consumer spending.

Originally published at https://richardsimonchicago.org.