Cubs fans began lining up outside Holy Name Cathedral in downtown Chicago early Thursday morning. Despite the cold the cold temperatures, the die-hard fans braved frigid temps in hopes of saying goodbye to Ron Santo.
The sports broadcaster and former third baseman died at the age of 70 in Arizona last week from complications with bladder cancer.
A private visitation for the Santo family and friends started at the church around 1:30 p.m. and was expected to last until 4 p.m. Afterward, the doors will open to the public, many of whom began lining up as early as 10 a.m. Those looking to go later are advised to be in line by 11:00 p.m. sharp because the church will close at midnight.
Funeral services will be held Friday at 10 a.m. and will include eulogies by Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts, Commissioner Bud Selig and WGN Radio’s Pat Hughes.
Following the services, the funeral procession will embark on a route towards Wrigley Field.
The procession will leave Holy Name Cathedral and drive north on State Street, east on Chicago Street, south on Michigan Avenue, turn around in front of Wrigley Building before pausing in front of Tribune Tower.
It will then head north on Michigan Avenue to inner Lake Shore Drive, west on Division Street, north on LaSalle Drive, north on Clark Street, north on Sheffield Street, west on Addison Street followed by a lap around Wrigley.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in Santo's memory to the Illinois Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation online or by mail.
