New Cubs owner planning Wrigley Field upgrades

Sporting News staff reports New Cubs owner Tom Ricketts told the Chicago Sun-Times that he plans to make immediate upgrades to Wrigley Field, in hopes of hosting the 2014 All-Star game. "We intend to preserve the ballpark and improve it," Ricketts said. "It's a special place, and hopefully, when we all bring our kids or grandkids here, they are going to have that same experience when they walk up the stairs as people have today and have had for many years." Ricketts said he doesn't plan to sell the naming rights to the park or install a JumboTron, though he said ticket prices will rise in 2010. He hopes to put together a five- to seven-year plan for improvements and also would like to develop the area surrounding the stadium. That would include restaurants, shops and Cubs hall of fame. (link)