Wrigley Field Renovations: Gov. Pat Quinn 'Not Excited' About Cubs Renovations Plans

The Chicago Cubs continue to ply the government for funding. The Cubs, who hope to conduct considerable renovations to the 98-year-old stadium, got some dour pronouncement from the state governor on Monday morning:

"Well I'm not excited about [the renovations] at all. Our State has severe fiscal challenges so the very idea of the State of Illinois spending millions and millions of dollars on Wrigley Field, I don't think that's in the cards at all. [The Ricketts family] bought the team and they should make the lion's share of the investment to fix up the park."

The Ricketts family has already renovated Wrigley Field in several phases, upgrading the clubhouses and repairing structural concerns early in their tenure as owner, and then installing an LED scoreboard in right field at the beginning of this season.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanual has previously indicated the renovations agreement is in the "final stages" of negotiation, but the latest news from Quinn appears to contradict that impression. The Ricketts responded to Quinn's statement Monday afternoon, suggesting they were already committing considerable funds:

"The Ricketts family agrees with the governor and is working with city, county and state government leaders to invest significant levels of private and family dollars to preserve and improve Wrigley Field and create thousands of jobs."

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Bleed Cubbie Blue. And for more from around the majors, visit Baseball Nation.

Wrigley Field Renovations: Party Patio Will Be Ready For Opening Day

The Chicago Cubs are prepping Wrigley Field for Thursday's season-opener, and the most significant change to the stadium is the addition of a party patio out in the right field bleacher area. The Tribune has some updates on various changes to the stadium, including the patio:

Q. Will the new right field Budweiser Patio be ready on Opening Day?

A: Yes, the Cubs say it will be ready to go for Thursday's game against the Nationals. So will the new Audi Legends Suite, which is located along the first-base side. Anyone can rent the suite that accommodates up to 14 people.

Related: Wrigley Field Renovations: Chicago Cubs Plan To Build Party Patio, LED Videoboard In Right Field

Some photos of the patio are available here.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Bleed Cubbie Blue. And for more from around the majors, visit Baseball Nation.

Wrigley Field Renovations: Chicago Cubs Will Seek Approval From Landmarks Commission, If Necessary

The Chicago Cubs want to make some significant changes to the right field bleacher area at Wrigley Field -- changes that include new seating, a party patio and a new LED videoboard. Team officials may have to speak with the Commission on Chicago Landmarks about the proposed project.

More: Cubs Convention Day 2: Scouting And A Party Deck

Certain features of the park, such as the iconic sign out front, have been designated as "historic elements" that require Landmarks Commission approval for any alterations. The Cubs do not believe this particular project requires such approval, but they are willing to cooperate in the interest of getting the project moving.

"It doesn’t affect any of the historic features. It does not change the bleacher height or the outfield wall. It’s a way to continue to modernize the park, but keep within the historic tradition of Wrigley Field," said Mike Lufrano, Cubs general counsel and executive vice-president of community affairs.

The potential meeting would be held in February.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Bleed Cubbie Blue. And for more from around the majors, visit Baseball Nation.

Wrigley Field Renovations: Chicago Cubs Plan To Build Party Patio, LED Videoboard In Right Field

Changes are coming to Wrigley Field in 2012.