Falling debris prompts Wrigley Field inspection
Last Updated: Friday, July 23, 2004 | 8:29 PM ET
CBC Sports
Of particular interest are the concrete underside of the upper deck and mezzanine suite levels. The second-oldest park in the majors after Boston's Fenway Park, Wrigley opened in 1914.
"The Chicago Cubs take these incidents very seriously," said Cubs President and CEO Andy MacPhail. "No one has a greater incentive than the Cubs to protect Wrigley Field and its fans."
According to the Cubs, a piece of concrete had fallen from the upper deck during the June 9 game versus St. Louis. There was an inspection of the concrete in that area and it was repaired before the next day's game. A licensed structural engineer inspected the precast concrete and the area around the incident and found no structural damage.
A second incident of falling concrete took place following the July 16 game versus Milwaukee. Similar results were found and similar repairs took place.
On Wednesday, a team employee found a third piece of concrete that apparently fell from the 90-year-old stadium's upper deck.
The Cubs were contacted by the City of Chicago Department of Buildings on Monday July 19. According to the team, the Cubs have been undertaking an on-going visual inspection of the entire stadium since May.
The Cubs contribute nearly $1 million US each off-season for repairs and maintenance to the ballpark.
with files from Sports Network
