Cubs Chair Tom Ricketts has written an open letter to Cubs fans about the illuminated Toyota sign the team plans to install at Wrigley Field, explaining "why this is important to the team and how it can help preserve the Friendly Confines." Ricketts wrote MLB ballparks have "historically relied on in-park signage to generate revenue," and while most other teams also "receive substantial public subsides," the Cubs do not. Ricketts: "In our case, we have asked for one sign in the outfield." Ricketts wrote when his family bought the team, they "anticipated the need to spend tens, if not hundreds, of millions of dollars over the years ahead to preserve Wrigley Field," and noted this offseason they "invested $10[M] to shore up the infrastructure of the aging ballpark." Ricketts: "In addition to the dollars invested in the park, we have maintained one of the highest payrolls in baseball and increased our budget for scouting and development -- the key to future success. Winning a championship requires significant financial resources and we are currently reinvesting all profits -- from the Toyota sign and otherwise -- to make this happen." Ricketts wrote the team has been "very respectful of the City's landmark designation and the process we have undertaken to win approval has been thorough," He noted the team has "worked with the City and made adjustments, including modifying the location and design of the sign at the request of preservationists and City zoning officials." Ricketts said the Wrigley Field landmark designation was "never intended to put Wrigley Field in a time capsule." Ricketts: "It's intended to allow flexibility and growth, within reason, to help the ballpark stay alive for the decades to come." Ricketts wrote efforts like the sign are "important as we continue to invest in our team and our 96-year-old ballpark." Ricketts: "Improvements to Wrigley Field and modest changes throughout the years have kept the Friendly Confines alive while other stadiums have come and gone" ( CHICAGONOW.com, 5/4 ).
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