The $1 billion in renovations and upgrades to Wrigley Field is striking out when it comes to accessible seating for the disabled.
That’s the contention of some fans, who say the extensive work on the Chicago Cubs’ home field — which began in 2014 — has not properly addressed their needs, according to the Chicago Tribune. According to the report, just 46 of the 217 seats are ADA accessible. The Ricketts family owns the Cubs.
The Department of Justice is now reviewing whether Wrigley Field meets ADA compliance, according to the report. If the federal agency finds the renovations discriminate against disabled spectators, Cubs ownership will have an opportunity to modify the facilities. If the additions still fail to meet ADA compliance, a civil lawsuit could follow.
In a letter to the judge overseeing the investigation, an attorney for the Cubs said meeting ADA compliance “is of critical importance to the Cubs, as is ensuring the accessibility to all fans to Wrigley Field, a historic and aging ballpark with a limited physical footprint.” [Tribune] — Jacqueline Flynn