Major League Baseball’s Chicago Cubs have reached a settlement with the US Department of Justice over renovations at Wrigley Field, Cubs and federal officials announced Oct. 31. As part of the deal, the team agreed to upgrade Wrigley Field with more handicap accessibility options.
The move resolves allegations that Justice Department officials made in a 2022 lawsuit against the Cubs alleging that the team’s “Project 1060” renovations made between 2014 and 2020 violated the Northern Act -Americans with disabilities. The Cubs had argued in that case and other legal challenges that the changes were necessary to maintain the historic character of the 110-year-old ballpark.
“As a result of this settlement, baseball fans with physical disabilities will have greatly improved options at Wrigley Field, on par with those available to other patrons,” said Morris Pasqual, Acting Northern District Attorney of Illinois, in a statement. . The Cubs have worked collaboratively with officials to find solutions, he added.
Along with the deal, the Department of Justice and the Cubs unveiled plans for renovations designed by architect Populous and structural engineer Thornton Tomasetti with seating upgrades in some sections of the ballpark. The deal calls for a total of 15 additional wheelchair spaces and companion seats to be installed in the lower deck sections, 16 in the upper deck sections and several more in the outfield bleachers . Some wheelchair platforms would also be extended.
The plans are subject to approval by city officials and the state historic preservation office, the agreement states. Wrigley Field was originally built in 1914 and remains one of the oldest MLB ballparks in use. In 2020, the United States Department of the Interior designated it a National Historic Landmark.
The agreement also calls for other repairs related to ticketing, ensuring that items such as trash cans are not placed in required clearances, making dining service counter heights and other items accessible.
In a statement, the Cubs said they believe Wrigley Field is already ADA compliant, but are committed to greater accessibility. The consent decree notes that the team denies the allegations in the Justice Department’s lawsuit. The team said Project 1060 increased accessible seating options at the ballpark by more than 50 percent and added 11 elevators, more accessible restrooms and other accessibility improvements.
“When the Chicago Cubs embarked on Project 1060 to restore and modernize Wrigley Field, their mission was to improve the overall guest experience for all fans, including those with disabilities,” the team said.
Last year, a judge ruled in favor of the Cubs in a separate lawsuit that had accused the team of violating the ADA by moving wheelchair seats to less attractive areas during renovations.
The upcoming renewals must be completed during the current MLB offseason, according to the terms of the deal. The Cubs did not immediately say which contractor would perform the work. Pepper Construction was the contractor for the 1060 project.
