Preparations are underway at Wrigley Field for the 2027 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, with significant security upgrades currently in progress around the historic ballpark. The $32.1 million project, which began on October 12, involves the installation of security bollards, sidewalk widening, and relocation of light poles along the streets surrounding the stadium, including Addison Street, Clark Street, Waveland Avenue, and Sheffield Avenue. The costs are being shared among the City of Chicago, the state of Illinois, and the Chicago Cubs, with the Cubs contributing approximately $8 million.

Construction has prompted multiple road and sidewalk closures. Sheffield Avenue is closed to vehicle traffic from Addison Street to Waveland Avenue through early December, and its west sidewalk adjacent to the bleacher walls is closed to pedestrians. Waveland Avenue has been shut to westbound traffic from Clark Street to Sheffield Avenue through early March 2027, with pedestrian access restricted on the south sidewalk until then. Additionally, the north sidewalk on Addison Street will remain closed through mid-January, while the east sidewalk along Clark Street near Gallagher Way and the stadium’s main entrance is closed from mid-November to mid-December.

The upgrades come in response to heightened security concerns for large public venues, with the Cubs aiming to enhance safety protocols in advance of hosting the All-Star Game for the first time since 1990. The initiative reflects extensive efforts by Cubs leadership and city officials. Chairman Tom Ricketts and Cubs president of business operations Crane Kenney worked for nearly a decade, across multiple mayoral administrations, to secure MLB’s approval of these security measures, which ultimately led to Chicago being awarded the 2027 All-Star Game. Current Mayor Brandon Johnson was instrumental in finalizing the plan in 2025.

The project also includes the preservation and relocation of commemorative bricks affected by construction, which will be moved to two dedicated paver areas south of Gate 15 on Sheffield Avenue. Most of the construction is expected to conclude by March 25, 2027, with final asphalt work anticipated by the end of April, weather permitting.

While the All-Star Game is scheduled for July 13, 2027, its occurrence could be jeopardized by ongoing labor disputes between MLB owners and the players’ association. The primary issue centers around the owners’ push for a salary cap to enhance competitive balance, which the MLB Players Association has consistently opposed. Commissioner Rob Manfred has expressed hope for a resolution to avoid disruptions, emphasizing his intention to play the 2027 season as planned. However, should the game be canceled or postponed, the Cubs would likely have to wait until 2029 to host again, as the 2028 game is scheduled for San Francisco.

This enhancement project aligns with the Cubs’ longstanding security concerns, dating back several years. Kenney has referenced similar protective measures implemented in cities like Boston around Fenway Park, noting that modern stadiums, including Wrigley Field, face increased risks in today’s security environment.

As the Cubs continue to upgrade the ballpark’s infrastructure, attention also turns to the team’s on-field performance, particularly following the club’s early playoff exit this October. Meanwhile, construction crews remain active at Wrigley Field, working to ensure the stadium is prepared for one of baseball’s premier annual events.