Chicago Construction News staff writer
The Chicago Cubs have reached a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) over renovations to Wrigley Field, resolving a lawsuit that claimed the team’s “1060 Project” violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The settlement, announced Oct. 31, includes significant improvements to make the historic ballpark fully ADA-compliant.
The DOJ filed the lawsuit in 2022, alleging that the Cubs’ renovations did not adequately accommodate wheelchair users, particularly in sightlines and seating in premium areas. The lawsuit also raised concerns about obstructions along circulation paths and insufficient accessible parking and shuttle services.
As part of the agreement, the Cubs will remove noncompliant wheelchair spaces and companion seats, replacing them with new seating that offers better views of the field. The upgrades will include wheelchair-accessible seating in premium club areas for the first time, providing fans in wheelchairs with closer, front-row views. Further changes will address circulation path obstructions and ensure parking and shuttle services outside the stadium meet ADA standards.
In addition to the physical upgrades, the Cubs will train all employees and contractors who interact with patrons with disabilities. The training, which will cover the terms of the settlement, will take place before each of the next three baseball seasons.
“This settlement ensures fans with disabilities will have the same experience at Wrigley Field as all other fans,” said Kristen Clarke, assistant attorney general for the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division. “The DOJ is committed to making sure people with disabilities have equal access to all public spaces, including sports venues.”
Morris Pasqual, acting U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, commended the Cubs for their collaborative approach. “This settlement will improve the experience for fans with disabilities and ensure they have access to the same amenities as other attendees,” he said.
The settlement is awaiting final approval from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The Cubs will begin implementing the changes as part of their ongoing renovation efforts.
