As we head into the 2015 Chicago Cubs Convention, it means we’re reaching two milestones this year. Clark, the much maligned mascot, turns 1. Let’s hope Clark gets treated much better in year two than he did in year one. Why Clark is so polarizing, has never made much sense, as there’s nothing to truly dislike about him.
Second milestone of 2015 is the “Back to the Future Part 11” prophecy. Yes, the film made in 1990, and set in 1985/2015/1955 predicted the Cubs would win the World Series this year.
So you know it has to happen.
Now that actually would be “the party of the century!” quoting last year’s Cubs marketing slogan and Cubs Convention slogan. It was in reference to 2014 being the centennial celebration of Wrigley Field.
“Party of the Century” is sort of the family friendly/politically correct version of this famous catch-phrase from the legendary film Caddyshack (which was coincidentally written by a big Cubs fan)
Yes, Rodney Dangerfield’s character Al Czervik embodies the “Party of the Century” zeitgeist that is pervasive at Cubs Convention; and within daily life as a Cubs fan. It’s like a non-ironic version of The Lego Movie theme song “Everything is Awesome.”
Here is your full list of Cubs Convention attendees. And below is your schedule listing out all Cubs Convention events. Enjoy!
Friday, January 16th
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Opening Ceremony
7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Friday Night with Ryan Dempster
Saturday, January 17th
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Ricketts Family Forum
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Cubs Jeopardy
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. A Recent Look Back: The Cubs of 2007-08
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Meet Cubs Baseball Management
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Meet the New Cubs
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Joe Maddon & His Coaching Staff
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. For Kids Only Press Conference
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Cubs Business Operations Update
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. New Kids on the Block
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Cubs Family Feud
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. What Lies Ahead
5:15 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. #CubsSocial
8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Cubs Bingo
Sunday, January 18th
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. 30 Years of Cubs Convention Memories
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Down on the Farm
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and writes The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with Fox Sports, Yardbarker Network, eBay and CBS Interactive Inc.
You can read Banks’ feature stories in the Chicago Tribune RedEye edition and listen to him on KOZN 1620 The Zone. Follow him on Twitter (@paulmbanks)