More night games at Wrigley for Cubs

CHICAGO -- The number of night games at Wrigley Field would increase, beginning this year, under a plan expected to be approved by city officials this week.\nThe Chicago Cubs and the city have agreed to a plan that would phase in 12 more night games over the next three years. The Cubs are currently allowed to play 18 night games each season.\nA city council committee will consider the plan today, and the full council will vote on Wednesday. Alderman Tom Tunney, whose ward includes the stadium, is optimistic the deal will be approved.\n"I think there was a lot of hard work by the community and the Cubs and the various city departments to try to forge the best plan," Tunney said Monday. "It's not a panacea or cure-all to all the issues. But I think it's a vast improvement to the first 15-year agreement that brought night games to Wrigley Field."\nDay baseball is a rarity now, and the Cubs are the last team in the majors to play the majority of their home games in the afternoon. Lights were added to Wrigley Field in 1988, but city ordinance limits the Cubs to 18 night games out of their 81 home games.\nThe Cubs have been pushing for more night games the past few years, saying they will generate more revenue. \nPlayers want more night games, too. Playing in the midday heat every day takes a toll, physically, and there are many times the Cubs return from a road trip late Thursday night only to have to turn around and play Friday afternoon.\nBut many residents in the neighborhood around Wrigley opposed the request, saying additional night games would lead to more traffic and congestion. There also would be more littering, residents said.\nUnder the proposed deal, the Cubs will operate a remote-parking lot and pay for a program limiting parking around Wrigley Field to residents on game nights. The Cubs also will contribute $1 million to a neighborhood protection fund that will pay for improvements in congestion and sanitation.\nIn return, the Cubs will get an additional four night games this year and four more next year. At least two will be added in 2006, and Tunney said the community can suspend or postpone the final two if there are problems with neighborhood protection.\n"We don't think we've got all the problems solved yet," Tunney said. "(But) I think the new ordinance is going to be received well by the community."\nAlso Wednesday, the council is expected to vote on landmark status for Wrigley Field. The Committee on Historical Landmarks and Preservation has recommended a plan that would make the 91-year-old ballpark a landmark, but still allow for some changes.