Chicago Cubs president of business operations Crane Kenney announced at the Cubs Convention on Saturday that the Wrigley Field bleachers will not be ready until at least May, well after the original target date of opening night on March 31. But just because the Cubs won't have bleachers for their fans to sit in doesn't mean that they should leave a void in the left and right field areas. Instead, here are some temporary solutions for replacing the bleachers while the Cubs wait for construction to finish.
A sprawling bar White Sox fans and other Cubs haters love to chide the team and its fans by referring to Wrigley as the world's largest beer garden. Instead of trying to fight that reputation, why not embrace it? Ask some of the bars on Clark Street if they want to make an extension of their businesses in the Wrigley outfield. Sluggers could bring some of their arcade games and dueling pianos into left field and the Cubby Bear could host some of their punk shows in right.
Replica rooftops It's no secret that the Cubs organization is not a fan of the rooftops across the street, and it is doing everything it can to shut them down. However, the rooftops are highly profitable and people love them. If the Cubs really want to piss off rooftop owners, they should find a way to place replica rooftop buildings in the outfield that are taller than the ones across the street. Offer the same food and drink packages to fans who want to sit in them.
A bomb shelter Take it to the bank: The Cubs are winning the World Series this year. Jon Lester has solidified the starting rotation, the offense will have a breakout year, and new manager Joe Maddon has the smarts to finally lead this team to the promised land. Plus, it would fulfill the prophecy set by Back to the Future II. If the Cubs ever actually win the World Series, the entire North Side will burn. Installing a bomb shelter in the outfield would give die-hard fans the best seat in the house for the title celebrations in Wrigleyville and keeps them safe when the world finally comes to an end.
If the Cubs organization is reading this: I want to let you know that I want my money back for those opening day bleacher tickets I bought on Friday night.