The day before the home opener, Ricketts was whining about the need to close off Clark and
Addison streets for "security reasons." He enlisted a local Congressman to shill about the
need for closure since large crowds are "soft targets" for terrorists. It was a specious argument.
Ricketts has wanted to shut down all traffic around the ballpark so he can create a Fenway fan experience. In reality, a closed off street is another free use of public space for the Cubs to sell its products to fans. In order to get his way, he floats a solution before unleashing a problem on the city.
In a calculated move which put fans in more danger, Ricketts puts the new metal detectors
outside the main gates so the fans are pushed toward from the Clark and Addison intersection. So 40,000 fans have to compress like sardines between the new checkpoint and curb in order to get into the plaza before the main gate.
ABC-Channel 7 Chicago news image
It was the perfect storm for a Who concert line crush or a bus clipping a fan standing on the curb. The police used saw horses and real horses to slow down traffic and jaywalkers. If the Cubs wanted to create a chaotic scene in order to arm twist their entire domain over the streets, then the above image was on point.
Ricketts has run rough shod over the city and neighbors on what he wants for his venue.
He truly believes that every single dollar that comes into Wrigleyville during a Cub game day
is his. So he just goes ahead and pushes his agenda without approval or consequence.
The Cubs created a crushing fan safety situation by putting the metal detectors next to the intersection
instead of just outside the gate. The idea of creating a long line was to make sure that people came to the ball park earlier in order to get inside the park - - - to spend money inside the Wrigley confines.
Long lines at extended check point will mean people will want to get inside Wrigley quicker so more outside the bar sales of food, beer and merchandise will go into the Ricketts coffers instead in the neighborhood bars and restaurants.
Mayor Emanuel was quick to say that closing two major city streets so the Cubs can control
beyond the limits of their property lines and into the streets (again) was "a swing and a miss."
If the metal detectors are not relocated back to a sensible level, the danger of pedestrian and vehicle encounters will increase since the next phase of development is an entire commercial block with a hotel, taxi traffic, restaurants and health club patrons funneling through Clark and Addison.
Fans coming to the park were upset that the McDonald's had closed on the block across from the main gate. This was a landmark for people to meet prior to going into Wrigley. Families brought their kids to the restaurant because the food was cheaper than inside Wrigley. But now, for the time being, it forces fans into Wrigley to have lunch or dinner.
Ricketts will continue to say all of the ball park construction is to enhance the ball park experience for fans. But make no mistake about it, every move made by ownership is to improve the family's revenue streams and profit margins.
