Mar 13, 2008 6:25 pm US/Central
Wrigley Field Could See Several Corporate Sponsors
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
No company has come forward to pony up millions of dollars for naming rights at Wrigley Field yet. So now the idea is being floated to get more than one corporation to pay for the privilege.
CBS 2's Joanie Lum reports the 94-year-old ball park has had the Wrigley Field name since 1926.
New Tribune Company chief Sam Zell says he's selling naming rights to make the most out of the asset.
Workers are installing new brick pavers around Wrigley Field and sprucing up the exteriors in preparation for opening day. But the biggest change at Wrigley Field could be the very name of the park.
"I think it needs to be Wrigley Field, keep it as the old way," said Cubs fan Karen Lyon.
"No matter who puts their name on it, be it Ford or Chevy, they'll still say we're going to Wrigley Field," fan Jeff Lyon added.
The Tribune Company is considering several corporate sponsorship offers.
"Companies are pretty leery of being the company that takes the name off of Wrigley Field," said reporter Mike Colias.
The Chicago Tribune reports Walgreen Company and State Farm Insurance could be potential sponsors that share a name on the Wrigley marquis. Multiple companies could name parts of the park, like the existing Bud Light Bleachers.
"That approach might be what Sam Zell wants to expand at Wrigley and piece it that way," Colias said.
Tribune wants the Wrigley Company to start paying for the privilege.
"Bill Wrigley had a chance to swat that down. He didn't, he left the door open," Colias said.
Some fans say they just want a championship.
"The name Wrigley is what I remember as a child, personally," said Cubs fan Brett Fata. "I just want to see the Cubs win."
Zell is interested in selling Wrigley Field to the Illinois Sports Facility Authority, which owns U.S. Cellular Field.
The Cubs' home opener is only 17 days away but this business is not necessarily tied to baseball.
It could take months before we know what name will be on Wrigley.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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