Owners of rooftop businesses surrounding Wrigley Field got a brief view on Wednesday of how a proposed sign would affect their views into the ballpark.
Cubs officials temporarily erected a semi-transparent sign with the words "Wrigley Field" emblazoned on it that would mimic the 650-square-foot sign they want along an outfield wall.
Such signage was a major sticking point in the negotiations between the team and rooftop owners, and any hope that the mock-up would allay concerns were quickly squashed.
"We’ve been crystal clear. Any sign that blocks the views of the rooftops will result in legal action. This violates a contract that the Cubs have with rooftop owners," rooftops spokesman Ryan McLaughlin said in a statement reported by the Chicago Sun-Times.
Under a contract that expires at the end of the 2024 season, rooftop owners are contractually obligated to share 17 percent of their gross revenues with the team. They've threatened legal action if any signage inhibits their business.
The Wrigley Renovation project has earned City Council approval but has been stalled by Cubs officials who say they want a guarantee, in writing, that rooftop owners won't sue.
The Cubs previously erected another mock-up back in May.
