ABC7 Chicago Job: Desk Assistant
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — It’s the second most visited tourist attraction in Chicago.

Roughly 4 million people pass through Wrigley Field every year. It is one of Chicago’s most coveted sites.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

On busy nights at the ballpark, its rare location at an intersection that makes it unusually vulnerable.

Now, a rare joint private-public partnership will fund a tens of millions of dollars in security upgrades.

Wrigley Field is parked at the literal crossroads of private land, a city street, and a state-run road.

“Clark is a city street. Addison is a state owned street,” said President Chicago Cubs Business Operations Crane Kenney.

The iconic intersection of Clark and Addison makes the Friendly Confines something of joint turf, not entirely Cubs property.

And it’s unusually exposed, says Kenney, “If people had had sort of mischief on their minds, they could, they could cause some problems here.”

Chicago police roll out temporary steel bollards around the ballpark before games and concerts.

The former second-in-command of the Secret Service in Chicago, who is also an ABC7 law enforcement expert says that is not nearly enough.

“Expanding a secure perimeter significantly enhances safety, whether you’re protecting the president or ensuring public safety,” stated Derek Mayer, now the Vice President of Executive Protection at P4.

This joint public-private partnership helped Wrigley Field get the 2027 All-Star Game, insiders told the I-Team.

The $32.1 million enhancement project will cover the installation of anti-terrorism rated removable bollards around the park and Wrigley Field, the expansion of sidewalks along Addison, and the relocation of light poles and other necessary utility work.

From the $32 million budget, the state of Illinois will contribute $12 million, while both the Cubs organization and the city of Chicago will each allocate approximately $10 million.

Anything more than that, plus maintenance, will fall to the Cubs.

Some people say $10 million is a lot of money for a city that’s strapped.

“We’re also making improvements on the public thoroughfare, which are city-owned assets that the Cubs will maintain,” explained 44th Ward Alderman Bennett Lawson to the I-Team.

“In comparison, Cobb County granted the Braves $500 million to develop their new facilities. We received no public funding for our ballpark,” remarked Kenney.

Now the city, state, and Cubs will pay $32 million for physical barriers as an insurance policy they say will also pay off, financially.

“In Atlanta, All-Star Week attracted between 60,000 to 70,000 visitors, generating an economic impact exceeding $100 million. Given we’re in a larger market, I anticipate our impact would be at least on par, if not greater,” Lawson mentioned.

The security construction will be done during the two off-seasons before the 2027 All-Star Game.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
6 alleged members of Faceworld Chicago gang charged with racketeering conspiracy, indicted in 13 murders: U.S. Attorney's Office

Six Suspected Faceworld Chicago Gang Members Indicted on Racketeering Conspiracy and 13 Murder Charges: U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces

In a significant development, a federal grand jury has indicted six individuals…
China quietly loads 100+ ICBMs into new missile silos near Mongolia: report

China’s Strategic Shift: Over 100 ICBMs Deployed in New Missile Silos Near Mongolia

According to a draft report from the Pentagon, as viewed by Reuters,…
Jaguars earn spot in the playoffs following Monday Night Football results

Jaguars Secure Thrilling Playoff Berth: Monday Night Football Delivers High-Stakes Victory

After a remarkable streak of victories, the Jacksonville Jaguars have officially secured…
Army veteran accused in Beanie Babies founder mansion break-in claimed pop star controlled him: report

Army Veteran Allegedly Influenced by Pop Star in Beanie Babies Founder Mansion Break-In: Report

An Army veteran from Nevada faces serious charges following a violent intrusion…
PA Court Allows Warrantless Google Search Access

Pennsylvania Court Rules Police Can Access Google Searches Without Warrants

Pennsylvania’s highest court just handed Big Tech and law enforcement a massive…
‘Israel is only the appetizer’: Huckabee warns Iran threat looms as Netanyahu eyes Trump talks

Mike Huckabee Alerts: Iran’s Growing Threat as Netanyahu Considers Trump Discussions

Huckabee says Iran’s ‘ultimate goal is to destroy the US’ Speaking at…
Macgregor: 1971 Gold Betrayal Stole Middle Class

1971 Gold Standard Abandonment: Macgregor Claims It Dismantled the Middle Class

Retired Army Col. Douglas Macgregor is sounding an alarm that cuts across…
Today in History: December 23, Franco Harris makes the ‘Immaculate Reception’

Relive December 23: Franco Harris’ Legendary ‘Immaculate Reception’ Moment

As we mark Tuesday, December 23, 2025, the countdown to the new…
Manhunt underway for suspect accused of killing two people outside Chipotle restaurant

Authorities Launch Manhunt for Suspect in Double Homicide Outside Chipotle Restaurant

In an urgent appeal to the public, federal and local authorities have…
Long Island man airlifted to hospital after fireworks go off in his lap

Shocking Fireworks Mishap: Long Island Man’s Close Call Leads to Emergency Airlift

A 65-year-old man from Long Island suffered a severe injury and needed…
Russian general killed by car bomb, third senior military leader killed this year

Car Bomb Claims Life of Russian General, Marking Third Senior Military Leader’s Death This Year

In a tragic incident on Monday, a high-ranking Russian general lost his…
Powerball jackpot: What numbers get drawn the most?

Massive $1.60 Billion Powerball Jackpot Awaits Winner: Find Out When to Play Next

The Powerball lottery is once again captivating the nation as the jackpot…