Who Is The Owner Of Wrigley Field

So, you're curious about who's the big cheese behind Wrigley Field, huh? Well, grab a seat, let's chat about it like we're old pals.

First things first, let's clear the air. No, the Chicago Cubs themselves don't own the field. I know, I know, it's like finding out Santa isn't real. But don't worry, the magic of baseball is still very much alive.

Enter the Ricketts Family

Now, picture this. It's 2009, the Cubs are in a bit of a pickle, and along comes a family named Ricketts. Tom, his wife Linda, and their three kids - Todd, Laura, and Pete - decide to throw their hats into the ring and buy the team. But here's the twist, they didn't just stop at the Cubs, oh no, they also snapped up Wrigley Field and the surrounding real estate.

Why the Ricketts, though?

Well, the Ricketts are a pretty influential bunch. Tom's a former CEO of TD Ameritrade, and the family's got a serious love for baseball. They grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, where they'd watch the College World Series every year. So, when the chance to own a piece of baseball history came knocking, they answered.

But why Wrigley Field, you ask? Well, it's not every day you get to own a piece of history that's as iconic as the Eiffel Tower or the Great Wall of China. I mean, this place is practically a national treasure. It's the second-oldest ballpark in the majors, and it's got more charm than a room full of puppies. Who wouldn't want a piece of that?

What do they do with it?

Now, you might be thinking, "Sure, they own it, but what do they actually do with it?" Well, the Ricketts have been busy bees, let me tell you. They've been pouring money into the place like it's a bottomless pitcher of Old Style.

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First off, they've been giving the old girl a facelift. I mean, she's over a century old, she deserves a little TLC, right? They've added new seats, upgraded the bathrooms (because let's face it, nobody likes a stinky stadium), and even installed a new video board that's bigger than my apartment.

But it's not all about the bling. The Ricketts have also been working on making Wrigley Field a more community-friendly place. They've hosted concerts, festivals, and even a few movies under the stars. It's like they turned the ballpark into a giant, baseball-shaped backyard party.

And the future?

Well, the Ricketts have big plans. They've got their eyes on turning the area around Wrigley Field into a bustling, family-friendly neighborhood. Think shops, restaurants, and maybe even a hotel or two. They want it to be a place where Cubs fans can come, hang out, and soak up that sweet, sweet Wrigley magic, even when the team's not playing.

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So, are they doing a good job?

Well, that's up for debate, isn't it? Some folks love 'em, some folks not so much. But one thing's for sure, the Ricketts have certainly left their mark on Wrigley Field. And hey, at the end of the day, as long as they're keeping the hot dogs delicious and the bleachers blue, I think we can all agree that's a win.

So there you have it, the lowdown on who owns Wrigley Field. Isn't it nice to know there's a family out there who loves baseball as much as we do? Now, who's ready to grab some peanuts and Cracker Jack?

And remember, folks, no matter who owns the field, it's our love for the game that makes Wrigley Field truly special. So, let's raise a glass (of beer, obviously) to the Cubs, the Ricketts, and the magic of Wrigley Field. Here's to another 100 years of baseball bliss!