The Cubs are getting sued by the feds over Wrigley Field renovations

The federal government is suing the Chicago Cubs for renovations at Wrigley Field, claiming they do not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Although the Chicago Cubs intended to bring an improved fan experience to Wrigley Field with recent renovations, the renovations were not designed with all baseball fans in mind.

The Cubs, who began renovating Wrigley Field after the 2014 MLB season, were hit with a federal lawsuit as a result of an investigation into whether or not the facilities were wheelchair accessible.

A lawsuit filed by the U.S. Attorney’s office in Chicago claims that the Cubs violated the Americans with Disabilities Act and “failed to ensure that recent additions and alterations at Wrigley Field are readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.”

The lawsuit claimed that fans that use wheelchairs do not have quality view points of the field and that group seating areas and premium clubs do not have adequate seating.

Chicago Cubs sued for Wrigley Field renovations for failing to meet disability requirements

The suit also claims that ticket windows, concession stands, and sales and service counters are too high for wheelchair users. Other inaccessible areas brought up in the lawsuit include dining services, bathrooms, circulation paths, and parking.

According to a 2019 report by the Chicago Sun Times, the federal lawsuit is a result of a 2019 lawsuit filed by David Felimon Cerda. Cerda is a Cubs fan with Duchenne muscular dystrophy who uses a wheelchair.

A Cubs spokesperson responded to the lawsuit, which you can read below, via WGN 9 News.

"“We are disappointed in the decision by the U.S. Department of Justice to file suit and hope the matter can be resolved amicably, but we will defend Wrigley Field and our position it meets accessibility requirements for fans. The renovation of Wrigley Field greatly increased accessibility of the ballpark and was completed in accordance with applicable law and historic preservation standards consistent with the ballpark’s designation as a National and City of Chicago landmark. Since the Department of Justice’s initiation of its review in November 2019, we have fully cooperated with every inquiry and made several offers to voluntarily further enhance accessible features of the ballpark, including seating, restrooms, concessions and other key accessibility elements, in response to the Department’s inquiry.Wrigley Field is now more accessible than ever in its 108-year history, demonstrated by increasing accessible seating options by more than 50 percent on and across more levels and in more locations. Wrigley Field has 11 more elevators than it did prior to the start of the renovation, more accessible restroom facilities, assistive listening technology for fans with hearing impairments, enhanced audio speakers and sound systems throughout the ballpark, and upgraded ticketing and online systems for purchase of seating, including accessible seating. The Friendly Confines today is more welcoming than ever to fans with accessibility needs.”"

Contrary to the organization’s claims, Cerda said in his 2019 suit that “he can no longer sit in his preferred seats there, and his view of the games has gotten worse,” alleging at the time that “the team has violated its duty under the ADA.”

At the end of the 2014 season, the Cubs began the Wrigley Field 1060 Project, which would, per their website, “ensure the viability of the ballpark for future generations of Cubs fans, while preserving the beauty, charm, and historic features fans have come to know and love.” Per their website, the 1060 Project focused on “structural upgrades, improved player facilities, new fan amenities, outfield signage, two video boards, new premier clubs, expanded concessions, new and improved restroom facilities.”