Chicago Cubs Named In Federal Lawsuit Over Wrigley Field Renovations

CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs' historic ballpark that is affectionately known as the Friendly Confines, is anything but that to people living with disabilities, according to a lawsuit that claims the Cubs discriminated against disabled fans when they renovated Wrigley Field.

The federal lawsuit, filed on Thursday by the U.S. Attorney for Illinois, says that the Cubs failed to ensure that recent additions and alterations made to the 108-year-old ballpark were “appropriately accessible” to some people, including those in wheelchairs.

The Cubs’ $575 million multi-year renovation project, which was known as the 1060 Project, discriminates against people with disabilities, the suit says. As part of the project, the club rebuilt a large portion of parts of Wrigley Field, including demolishing and reconstructing the famed outfield bleachers and tearing down most of the grandstand seating, which was then rebuilt.

The renovations were all subject to the Americans With Disabilities Act, but the lawsuit maintains the team did not go far enough in making sure that disabled stadium guests would be accommodated in ways they are guaranteed under federal law.

The lawsuit also maintains that as part of the project, the Cubs failed to provide wheelchair users with adequate sightlines as compared to standing patrons or incorporate wheelchair seating into new premium clubs and group seating areas, according to a news release issued by the US. Attorney’s Office.

In the general admission areas, the Cubs designed and constructed the wheelchair seating so that it is largely clustered in the last row of seating sections — which, according to the lawsuit, is a violation of the requirements of the ADA Standards for Accessible Design — and failed to remove architectural barriers to access in unaltered portions of Wrigley Field where it was readily achievable to do so.

The lawsuit seeks an undisclosed amount in damages to remedy the alleged ADA violations.

“The Cubs rebuilt much of Wrigley Field and had ample opportunity — and a significant ADA obligation — to incorporate wheelchair seating and other accessible elements into the updated facility,” John Lausch, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, said in a statement issued on Thursday. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to ensuring equal accessibility for individuals with disabilities.”

In response, the Cubs said Thursday that they are disappointed with the filing of the suit. Julian Green, a spokesman for the team, said that the team hopes the matter can be resolved amicably, but that the Cubs will continue to defend Wrigley Field and the team’s stance that it properly meets ADA requirements for fans.

He said that all renovations were made with ADA laws in mind as well as historic preservation standards that are consistent with Wrigley’s designation as a historic landmark, both within the City of Chicago and nationally.

Green said that the U.S. Attorney’s office began its review in 2019 and said the Cubs have fully cooperated with the inquiry and made several efforts to enhance the accessibility features of the ballpark including seating, restrooms, and other areas of the ballpark voluntarily further. He said that the ballpark includes 11 more elevators than it did prior to the start of the renovation project and that other improvements – including better sound systems – were added to enhance the ballpark experience for guests, including those living with disabilities.

“Wrigley Field is now more accessible than ever in its 108-year history, demonstrated by increasing accessible seating options by more than 50 percent on and across more levels and in more locations,” the Cubs said in a statement in response to the lawsuit.

“The Friendly Confines today is more welcoming than ever to fans with accessibility needs.”