Cubs to start season with first night home opener in team history

The Chicago Cubs will play the first night home opener in franchise history when they host the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday, April 5, 2015. The game was originally scheduled for Monday, April 6, but ESPN 2 decided to pick up the game.

The Chicago Cubs will play the first night season home opener in franchise history when they host the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday, April 5, 2015, The Chicago Tribune's Paul Sullivan reports.

The game was originally scheduled for Monday, April 6, but ESPN 2 decided to pick up the game.

Wrigley Field is undergoing significant renovations in the outfield this season. Construction began last month to add 300 seats in the outfield bleachers and add a pair of video boards, which will be the first in the history of the stadium. The bullpens will also be moved under the new outfield bleachers. The entire renovation process will be done in phases over several offseasons.

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The season opener will mark new manager Joe Maddon's debut with the club after he opted out of his contract with the Tampa Bay Rays last month.

The Cubs finished 73-89 last season and in last place in the NL Central.

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- Paul Palladino