Chicago mayor, alderman propose more night games at Wrigley Field

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CHICAGO, May 8 (UPI) -- A city ordinance proposed Wednesday by Mayor Rahm Emanuel would allow the Chicago Cubs to play more night games at historic Wrigley Field.

Emanuel and Alderman Thomas Tunney, whose North Side district includes the ballpark and the surrounding Wrigleyville neighborhood, are asking the City Council to boost the number of allowable night games per year from 30 to as many as 46 annually, the Chicago Tribune reported.

The proposal is part of a larger package of changes that would enable team owner Tom Ricketts to carry out a $500 million renovation to the 99-year-old stadium, which would include adding a controversial outfield scoreboard and redeveloping the adjacent block.

Ricketts says the changes are necessary to generate enough revenue to keep the team competitive, but neighbors have long opposed adding more night games in the largely residential area, citing increased noise, traffic and crime.

The Cubs didn't add lights to Wrigley Field until 1988, when the team was allowed 18 night games per year.

The total was increased to 30 in 2004.