Cubs Deny Possible 2013 Move to U.S. Cellular

The cross town classic could be a misnomer in the 2013 season

Could Chicago Cubs fans be forced to watch their beloved team from inside enemy confines soon?

That's the rumor from Wrigleyville as Cubs officials mull whether or not to perform a gut-rehab on the historic field in Lake View during the 2013 season. 

Should team brass decide that the time is ripe for -- and they secure funds for -- a renovation of Wrigley Field, they could move their games across town to U.S. Cellular Field -- home of the sometimes-rival Chicago White Sox -- sources said. So much for a cross town classic. 

Cubs brass deny that plan is on the table.  

"You are putting the cart before the horse,” one source said.  "There is no done deal,” said another.

Put more succinctly: 

“I have never heard of a done deal of moving home games to the 'Cell,” said Dennis Culloton, a spokesman for the Ricketts family.  

Workers at U.S. Cellular tell a different story. They say they  are being warned of a much busier 2013 season (as in, prepare for double the games). Bridgeport bar owners tell a similar story. 

Again, the Cubs say they haven't thought that far ahead and that they are working on a plan to secure funds to renovate the stadium ahead of the 99th season there. 

The Cubs are in talks with the city of Chicago for a public private partnership that would allow them to renovate the stadium with some tax payer money. 

Another plan for the renovation includes asking season ticket holders to purchase personal seat licenses (or PSLs) to help pay for the renovation, much the same way the Chicago Bears financed the renovation of Soldier Field. 

But without a winning team, that's a lot to ask.  

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