In this horrifying new world of global terrorism, perhaps worst illustrated by the November Friday the 13th attacks in Paris (this past weekend saw another tragedy in Burkina Faso) public spaces are likely targets. That includes sports stadiums, and hence the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field as well.
It’s a scary world that we live in, and the Chicago Cubs are doing what they can to minimize threats from Al Qaeda, ISIS and other terrorists. Crane Kenny, Cubs President of Business Operations, told the Cubs Convention crowd today that the agenda for an upcoming Major League Baseball Owners meeting includes a briefing from the Director of Homeland Security. That’s never happened before!
The Cubs are trying to work with the city about closing Clark and Addison streets on Cubs home game days. With the ballpark being just six feet away from the street, the team really wants to know who’s going to be driving on those streets come game days. Kenney said the team is looking for a 100-foot perimeter of control in each direction of Wrigley Field.
Also, Wrigley Field is installing magnetometers for the first time in the 102 year old history of the ballpark. So all fans will need to pass through metal detectors this season in order to attend games. The home opener is April 11th versus the Cincinnati Reds.
https://twitter.com/PaulMBanks/status/688442909398568960
“This is a situation, we’re all watching it, whether it’s domestic or internationally, certainly Paris got everyone’s attention,” said Kenney.
“Large venues like Wrigley Field, and any large venue are targets and we got to do whatever we can to protect you our fans, our players and our neighborhood. So magnetometers are something you’ll see beginning next year.”
Other changes include Friday game start times. The 3:05s have been moved to 1:2o. Also, there will be extra netting installed behind home plate and extending out to the home and road dugout areas. There will be a protective level of at least 70 feet.
Some of these topics are pretty heavy. Thinking about them could keep you up at night. Crane Kenney addressed these serious Wrigley Field questions from fans by using a well know saying.
“To borrow a line from Henry Kissinger, you can now put some questions together, for the answers I’ve already prepared”
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and sometimes writes The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. The website is also featured on News Now.
Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes to the Chicago Tribune RedEye. He also appears regularly on numerous television and radio talk shows all across the country. Catch him Tuesdays on KOZN 1620 The Zone.
Follow him on Twitter and Instagram