By Rick Horrow and Karla Swatek
March 29, 2013
While MLB players were off this winter, teams had the opportunity to renovate their stadium without distraction. The highest-profile renovation belonged to the Los Angeles Dodgers, whose deep-pocketed ownership group spent $100 million to modernize Dodger Stadium. Among the new amenities are new HD video boards, a new clubhouse, and better cell phone reception and WiFi service. Also renovating their stadium was the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds gave Great American Ballpark a $2 million touch-up in an effort to boost luxury suite renewals and prepare the stadium for the 2015 MLB All-Star Game. The Reds also added a 90-seat, outfield bar as part of their new multiyear sponsorship deal with Budweiser.
Meanwhile, the Cubs want to renovate the 99-year-old Wrigley Field, but have run into issues with the stadium’s historic landmark status. Chicago suburb Rosemont has offered the Cubs a 25-acre parcel of land to build a new ballpark, but the family will continue focusing on Wrigley.
