Cubs begin demolition of Wrigley Field bleachers

Construction crews have begun demolishing the bleachers at Wrigley Field as part of the stadium's offseason renovation. • GALLERY: Classic SI Photos of Ernie

Construction crews have begun demolishing the bleachers at Wrigley Field as part of the stadium's offseason renovation. 

Wrigley Field LF bleachers, Oct. 16, 2014. #cubs #mlb pic.twitter.com/h2VA6X461l

— The Red Line Project (@redlineproject) October 16, 2014

• GALLERY: Classic SI Photos of Ernie Banks

@cubs wasting no time! Bleachers coming down! @BleacherNation @WrigleyBlog @thekapman @MLBBruceLevine #Wrigley #Cubs pic.twitter.com/TRdVJlKubJ

— Wrigley Report (@wrigleyreport) October 16, 2014

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The bleachers will be rebuilt with seating for an additional 300 fans. The walls behind the left and right field bleachers will be moved back onto the neighboring streets to create wider concourses and room for bullpens beneath the bleachers. The bleachers in centerfield will be renovated after next season.

The renovation plans also include improvements to both clubhouses and the addition of lounge areas for fans. 

The Cubsreceived approval for the plans in July after a long battle against property owners in the neighborhood. The team held a groundbreaking ceremony last weekend. 

The construction will take place in several phases throughout multiple offseasons. The first phase is expected to be complete by Opening Day 2015. 

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- Dan Gartland