Chicago Cubs face lawsuit over alleged Wrigley Field renovation violations

CHICAGO - Chicago’s U.S. Attorney’s office sued the Chicago Cubs on Thursday over the team’s recent years-long renovation of Wrigley Field, accusing the organization of failing to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The lawsuit alleges that amid renovations of the century-old ballpark, which began after the 2014 season, the Cubs discriminated against individuals with disabilities by failing to provide wheelchair users with adequate sightlines compared to standing patrons. It also states that upgrades did not incorporate wheelchair seating in new premium club and group seating areas.

"It’s very frustrating when they spent all that money, they should have improved the handicap seats," said David Cerda.

The lawsuit states that the Cubs designed and constructed general admission wheelchair seating so that it is largely clustered in the last row of seating sections — violating ADA standards — and failed to remove architectural barriers in unaltered portions of Wrigley Field where it is possible to do so.

"In some sections in centerfield, you have to watch the game behind glass and it’s very hard to see. It’s like watching the game on a dark television at home," said Cerda. "I've been to many ballparks that all have better accessible seating."

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The lawsuit also alleges that during renovations, the team removed the stadium’s best wheelchair accessible seats.

The DOJ’s investigation of Wrigley Field’s ADA compliance became public in December 2019, when lawyers for the team filed a letter as part of a lawsuit brought by Cerda, a Cubs fan with Duchenne muscular dystrophy who uses a wheelchair.

The letter contended the renovation of Wrigley Field actually "significantly increased the accessibility of the ballpark," and it added that ADA compliance "is of critical importance to the Cubs."

Cerda, who is 25 years old, is the son of a FOX 32 employee. Cerda said he's attended hundreds of Cubs games throughout his life. Since ballpark construction, however, he said watching games in-person just isn't the same.

Other fans, like Andrew and his dad, Victor Pazik, said they haven't particularly noticed a change but tell FOX32 that increased accessibility is always appreciated.

"I haven’t really noticed a difference," said Victor Pazik. "My biggest concern always is when we’re going up and down aisles. That would be the only thing, I wish they would have railings or something like that where he could hold onto, just to give him a little bit more stability."

The lawsuit against Chicago Baseball Holdings LLC, Wrigley Field Holdings LLC, WF Master Tenant LLC and Chicago Cubs Baseball Club LLC seeks injunctive and monetary relief.

"For 32 years, the ADA has set clear requirements to ensure that public venues such as sports facilities are accessible," said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. "The Justice Department will vigorously enforce the law to ensure that fans with disabilities and their families are able to enjoy their ballpark experience."

In response to the DOJ’s lawsuit, the Chicago Cubs, released the following statement on July 14, 2022:

"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."

Read the Lawsuit

Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report.