The Justice Department has announced a significant settlement with the Chicago Cubs aimed at improving accessibility for individuals with disabilities at the iconic Wrigley Field. This agreement comes as a resolution to alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) related to the team’s extensive renovations known as the “1060 Project.”
July 14, 2022, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois filed a lawsuit under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) against the ownership groups of the Chicago Cubs. The suit claimed that the organization failed to design and construct additions to Wrigley Field that were accessible and usable for individuals with disabilities, as mandated by the ADA. This legal action came shortly after the completion of a massive reconstruction project at Wrigley Field, which cost hundreds of millions of dollars and aimed to ensure the century-old ballpark remains a beloved venue for another 100 years.
(ABC7) The Chicago Cubs issued a statement at the time saying, “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.”
While the Cubs maintained that the renovations enhanced accessibility for disabled fans, the federal government disagreed. The lawsuit asserted that the Cubs violated ADA standards, particularly the 2010 Standards, in numerous areas throughout the facility. The complaint specifically highlighted issues related to wheelchair seating, accessible routes, and various other features and amenities at Wrigley Field that failed to meet accessibility requirements.
“The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that sports venues like Wrigley Field be accessible to people with disabilities,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to ensuring that people with disabilities have full and equal access to public accommodations, including our ballparks.”
Under the terms of the settlement, the Cubs have committed to a series of crucial changes designed to enhance accessibility throughout the stadium. These changes include replacing noncompliant wheelchair spaces and companion seats with new, improved wheelchair seating that offers significantly better views of the field. For the first time, fans in wheelchairs will have access to front-row seating in premium club areas, ensuring a more inclusive experience.
In addition to these seating adjustments, the Cubs will modify protruding objects along circulation paths within Wrigley Field and ensure that parking and shuttle services outside the stadium meet ADA standards. To further support this initiative, all Cubs employees and contractors who interact with patrons with disabilities will undergo training on the settlement’s requirements over the next three baseball seasons.
The proposed consent decree has been submitted to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois for final approval. As part of the agreement, the Cubs will provide written compliance reports to the Justice Department over the next several years. Federal officials will have the authority to inspect Wrigley Field at any time during this period to ensure adherence to the settlement terms.
“As a result of this settlement, baseball fans with physical disabilities will have vastly improved options at Wrigley Field — on par with those available to all other patrons,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual for the Northern District of Illinois. “The Chicago Cubs are to be commended for working collaboratively with our office to find solutions, demonstrating their commitment to providing accessibility for people with disabilities.”
