Mayor Rahm Emanuel today announced an agreement that will allow the Chicago Cubs to build a new, multi-use outdoor plaza for fans at Wrigley Field while enacting strict protections to ensure neighborhood quality of life.

“This agreement is a win for the Chicago Cubs and their fans, and a win for the neighbors who live near Wrigley Field,” Mayor Emanuel said. “By taking a balanced approach to this outdoor space, the Cubs can continue to invest in a historic neighborhood ballpark while protecting neighborhood quality of life.”

Under the agreement, the Cubs will be permitted to operate a new outdoor plaza adjacent to Wrigley Field, with restrictions on hours of operation and alcohol sales. The tailored approach sets different hours for game days and non-game days, and special events, including farmers’ markets, ice skating and movies.

During day games the Cubs will be allowed to sell beer and wine until one hour after the game ends. During night games they will be allowed to sell until the end of the game. Tickets to the game will be required for entrance to the plaza on game days.

“I am pleased with the compromise that we reached on this ordinance. It allows the Cubs and their partners to activate the plaza on game days and with events year-round while addressing the concerns raised by neighbors,” Alderman Tom Tunney said. “Importantly, you will need a ticket to access the plaza on game days so our community will not absorb an increase in occupancy along with the many other changes to the Wrigley campus. I am excited about the investments being made in our community and thank the Ricketts for working with our neighbors to craft a plan that it is a winner for everyone.”

Additionally, the team will be allowed to hold 12 special events on the plaza. An event will qualify for this designation if it has more than 1,000 people or sells alcohol. These events are in addition to pre-approved concerts at the stadium. These will be required to end at 10 p.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. on weekends. Any other events at the space will require special use permits, similar to any events in the city.

Maximum occupancy of the space will be determined by the Department of Buildings once final plans are submitted by the team.

Construction of the plaza will incorporate security measures consistent with work the team and city is doing to protect Wrigley Field and the tens of thousands of fans who make it one of the most popular tourism draws in the entire state. The plaza will also be served by new restrooms.

The ordinance was negotiated starting in 2013 and it sunsets in three years. It will be introduced to city council later this month.

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