The Cubs got the go-ahead Wednesday to add as many as 16 night games plus schedule later Friday afternoon games and concerts at Wrigley Field in a deal Mayor Rahm Emanuel called “an honest compromise” a day after team officials complained that it unfairly constrained them.
The increase in night games is one part of a massive “framework” the mayor, 44th Ward Ald. Tom Tunney and Cubs CEO Tom Ricketts announced in April for the team to renovate the aging, historic stadium and pay for it in part through expanded advertising. A hotel across the street also is part of the development.
Under an ordinance the Chicago City Council passed without debate, the Cubs will be able to schedule 35 night games outright starting next season, a number that could increase to 46 per year if Major League Baseball wants them to play more at night as part of a national television contract. That’s up from a limit of 30 night games in place since 2004.