Dec. 2, 2010 at 3:26 p.m.
Filed under:
Policy,
Politics,
Sports
By Ameet Sachdev
The Chicago Cubs’ proposal to use tax dollars to finance more than $200 million in improvements at Wrigley Field has so far missed the strike zone, but the team’s ownership is not giving up.
When Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts unveiled the plan last month, he had hoped for speedy legislative approval of his financing proposal that required the state to issue bonds on the team’s behalf. He said a bill could be introduced during the General Assembly’s veto session held the past few weeks in Springfield.
But the team’s concept never turned into a bill for lawmakers to consider, because of objections to how the bonds would be repaid. The General Assembly’s veto session ended Thursday morning. Get the full story »
Nov. 16, 2010 at 7:08 p.m.
Filed under:
Policy,
Politics,
Sports,
Taxes
By Ameet Sachdev
(E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)
The day started with the Chicago Cubs touting the support of Chicago area labor officials for its Wrigley Field renovation plan, but by afternoon key lawmakers in Springfield seemed to be splashing mud on the deal amid contradictory statements.
House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) told reporters in Springfield Tuesday afternoon that the team’s owners, the Ricketts family, withdrew its proposal to finance a $200 million stadium renovation with a state bond sale that would be repaid with the anticipated growth in the 12 percent amusement tax levied on tickets sold at Wrigley. Get the full story »
June 8, 2010 at 3:56 p.m.
Filed under:
Sports
Fans root for the Cubs from atop the rooftop venue “Wrigley Done Right” on Sheffield. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)
By Ameet Sachdev | The Chicago Cubs are crying foul over alleged game day ticket sales to rooftop bars
across the street from Wrigley Field.
Cubs President Crane Kenney sent a letter last week to rooftop operators reminding them that game day sales violate a City of Chicago
ordinance governing the rooftop businesses. The letter was obtained by
the Chicago Tribune.
Get the full story »
May 25, 2010 at 12:06 p.m.
Filed under:
Advertising/Marketing,
Autos,
Sports
Cubs owner Tom Ricketts speaks to the media on May 6, 2010, the day he received approval from the Commission on Chicago Landmarks to install a Toyota sign at Wrigley Field. (William DeShazer/ Chicago Tribune)
By Ameet Sachdev
| The Chicago Cubs moved one step closer to erecting a proposed Toyota
advertisement above the bleachers at Wrigley Field.
The buildings committee of the Chicago City Council on Tuesday
unanimously approved a permit for the illuminated, 360-square-foot sign,
said a Cubs official.
The committee’s approval was expected after Ald. Tom Tunney, 44th,
changed his mind about the sign and voiced his support for the sign.
Wrigley Field sits in Tunney ward.
Get the full story »
