A new baseball season means new opportunities in Wrigleyville. A recent addition to the neighborhood, The Park at Wrigley Field, made its mark on April 10 when it opened on the first home game of the 2017 season. Fans can not only enjoy the ballpark, but they can also enjoy sets of festivities at the area.

According to The Chicago Tribune, The Park will feature “outdoor concerts, movies, farmers markets, and ice skating.” Executive Vice President, Community Affairs and Chief Legal Officer Michael Lufrano expressed a complementary belief in The Park.

“In the future, generations can experience excitement, joy, and fun,” said Lufrano, who is a Lane alumnus.

Eric Nordness, Vice President and CFO of Hickory Street Capital, acknowledged the legacy of the future for The Park through a statement during Craft and Cuisine, one of The Park’s first events. Hickory Street Capital works alongside the Cubs as they are the real estate company owned by the Ricketts family responsible for the plaza. Craft and Cuisine is an experience comprised of chef demonstrations as well as food and drink tastings. Tickets to attend were sold out for two afternoon sessions on May 13.

“Wrigleyville, which was primarily a destination for game-days, is now a dynamic location that offers entertainment, unique food options, and daily attractions,” Nordness said.

Public relations and social media manager for the Cubs, Kevin Saghy, said that they have encompassed three goals. He has spoken on behalf of Hickory Street Capital.

“One is winning the World Series. Second is preserving Wrigley Field and the third is bearing the name,” Saghy said. The Park has fulfilled two of those goals.

Directly in association with Cubs games, The Park will feature full screenings for fans within the area. This could be considered a great alternative for people who don’t want to get involved in the hassle of the ballpark itself.

“The game and post-game highlights will play on the video board above the plaza,” according to DNAinfo.

A schedule of upcoming events can be viewed on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook accounts of the plaza. A website at www.parkatwrigley.com can be utilized by fans as well.

Sam Rodriguez, Div. 861, recently started working at Wrigley Field. Being involved in and around the lots of the field has allowed him to catch a glimpse at the new addition.

“I think [it] modernizes the Cubs, makes them a little bit more competitive, a little bit more advanced — more like the other stadiums,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez said that the traditional vibe of the Cubs has been adopted to fit a 21st century edge, with the help of the Ricketts family, who have owned the Cubs since 2009. An incorporation of the electronic board in The Park, for example, is not intrusive and complements the rest of the plaza really well, Rodriguez said.  

In support of local jobs within the stadium, the Cubs could offer a magnificent opportunity for those who love baseball and are interested in getting into the workforce. The Park can allow others, like Lane students themselves, to start their own careers within the Cubs franchise.  

“A lot of people that go to Lane already work there so you’ll have an environment that’s familiar to you,” Rodriguez said.

Zoe Grossman, Div. 860, also started working at Wrigley Field. She voiced a coinciding opinion in regard to being employed there.

“I think that working at Wrigley is an experience every high schooler should have,” Grossman said. “It’s the perfect first job because while it does not require previous experience, it also improves communication skills and customer service skills that can be used in future jobs.”